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| Many people need not so much a handout, but rather a hand up. |
Apparently this has become the age of entitlements, with
many people looking to Big Brother (aka the Federal government) for deliverance
from whatever plight they find themselves in.
And many of us readily presume that’s the way it should be –
whether it’s care for neglected children, unemployment assistance,
alleviation of poverty, finding relief from troubled relationships, or whatever
the dilemma might be. “Hey, Uncle Sam: We need help over here!”
As a result, we’re inclined to collectively shrug our
shoulders and conclude, “What can I do?” Surrounded by a world
filled with problems, it seems like any effort on our part to help wouldn’t
amount to more than the proverbial drop of water in the ocean.
Recently, however, I met a man who happily did not take that
attitude. Bruce, owner of an upscale clothing store, more than 20 years ago was
approached by another man with a simple request: “I need help.”
The second man, Gary, had decided he could no longer
settle for the hourly-wage, manual labor job he had. He desired to provide a
better life for his family, but realized doing so would involve learning some
things – including, as they used to say, how to “dress for success.” He had
seen the sharp-looking men’s clothes in Bruce’s store window; one morning he mustered
up the courage to go in and solicit some coaching so he could dress presentably
for job interviews.
Bruce wasn’t obligated to help. Gary certainly didn’t fit
the mold of his accustomed clientele. But Bruce did more than help. He offered
Gary some valuable do’s and don’ts about proper attire and then, at pennies on
the dollar, got him started with a wardrobe that would impress prospective
employers.
Fast forward more than two decades: Gary has established a
successful career as a sales executive, was able to extricate his family from a
near-poverty level lifestyle, and now he’s eagerly imparting secrets of his
success to others.
Bruce the clothier was just one piece in Gary’s career
story, but an important piece. He saw a man eager to achieve a better life and
willingly presented him with tools to help in doing just that.
I referred to Gary’s story in an earlier post. The book he’s
written about his journey (which I’ve been privileged to edit) will be
published soon. Suffice it to say, while millions are clamoring for the
attention of the impersonal, uncaring governmental machine, each of us – like
Bruce – should consider how we could make a positive contribution to the life
of someone in our sphere of influence.
When Jesus said, “It
is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35), one reason is
because when we give to benefit others, we receive the joy of knowing we’ve
enhanced the life of another. Having met Bruce, I know he feels that way.
The Bible also offers this admonition: “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your
power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Come back later; I’ll give it
tomorrow’ – when you now have it with you” (Proverbs 3:27-28).
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