Walk With Me
What do you give when someone approaches and asks for help?
But Peter said, "I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk." And he took him by the right hand and raised him up; and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. - Acts 3:6-7
Sometimes, the easiest thing to do is give money when approached. A quick encounter, a small payment, and the unpleasant event is behind us, leaving us feeling uncomfortable, but relieved, knowing we did something.
I have to admit, though, that isn't always the case. I often think about the person afterwards. I wonder what happened to them, where did they go, how did they manage to get home, get food, get back on track, whatever that entails.
Sunday, I offered to drive one man home, since he claimed to have no money to get there. I told him when he needed to return and I would be ready.
I thought I was doing the right thing, but several of the women in my church berated me, fearful for my wellbeing, not wanting me to be alone in a car with someone who could be dangerous. They made me promise them I wouldn't be alone in the car with the man.
As it turns out, he didn't return, so I didn't have to worry about breaking my promise or turning him away.
What is the right thing to do?
Peter offered a hand and help walking. We see it as a miracle and that makes it easier for us to accept. We don't believe we can perform such miracles, so the act of raising up this man can be dismissed.
But that is a literal perspective, and I think we should take Peter's action more figuratively. He did something to help without just handing out money and walking away.
Too often, when confronted with a need for aid, money is the easy answer. We are approached for it all the time because it is a way for us to feel like we are doing something without disrupting our busy schedules. I, for one, get many phone calls from organizations looking to ease my guilt over not helping by soliciting a check or credit card payment for some cause.
But what if we were more like Peter and offered the person help in standing on his own two feet? Wouldn't that be better?
When we help someone stand and offer to have them walk with us, they gain strength and confidence in themselves. My friend who comes to the church and spills out tales of misfortune looking for a handout does not want help walking. I have tried before, offering the time to sit with him and his wife to counsel them and find a way that they can work together to get work, pay the rent, buy food.
But they don't come.
Perhaps Peter has the right approach. Come. Stand and walk with me. I will be with you in case you fall. But you need to want it as much, if not more, than I.
Now, all I need to do is remember that, and find a way to say those three words. Walk with me.
More to come...
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