A Christmas Message

OK, so maybe my last post was a bit harsh; I tend to be intolerant of intolerance. (Sounds like "Keep you dirty government hands of my medicare" doesn't it.) Any way, I'm going to try to atone with a heartfelt Christmas message.

Imagine waking in the middle of the night to find your neighbor's house on fire. You might rush to their home to attempt a rescue, or more likely, if you found them standing in their front yard, less than fully clothed, you might offer clothing or a blanket. You might offer a place to stay, or food, or even a hug, or words of encouragement. And, for most of us, it wouldn't matter if, at some point in the past, you had quarreled with them, or perhaps, didn't even know them very well. You would do everything you could to help.

Most of us never are involved in a personal rescue, but our neighbors need our help. This recession has created millions of people who are homeless, hungry, or sick.

It is easy to rationalize their circumstances. They're lazy, drunk, druggies, illegal, criminals, or just pains in the ass. It's true: some people fit some or all of these categories. Most people who find themselves in trouble are just victims of circumstance. They've lost their job, divorced, suffered some expensive illness, made bad decisions, or, most likely, have some mental problem which prevents them from functioning in a rational manner. The one thing most of them have in common is that they have no support network to see them through. I don't think it matters how they arrived at their current place in life, I try, when I can, to help them. When someone approaches me and asks for five dollars to buy gas to get home, I don't ask what kind of car they drive, or where they are going. If they spend the money on a bottle of Night Train wine, actually get that gas, or food, or diapers, or whatever they ask for, well, so be it, at least I tried to help.

So, with that said, here are three things I hope you will remember this Christmas season, and into the New Year. I guess all three are from the Bible, although I can't quote chapter and verse.

1. Judge not lest you be judged.
2. There but for the grace of God go I.
3. Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.

Merry Christmas