Would you walk by, call me a sinner, pray for me, try to help, or wish you could help?

Question

I was on the street - tricks for a fix - when a kind woman helped me and now I am sober and off the streets. She got me into rehab. But I don't know much about her. I haven't seen her in a while. She said to read the Bible - it could help. I have been trying.

But tell me something - do you read the Bible? Would you have at least wanted to help me?

Answer 1

I will admit that I would probably have been a little afraid of you, and the life you were leading. That doesn't mean that I wouldn't have wanted to help you; I suppose that if it were possible, I'd like to help ANYONE in the situation you were in. I'm not sure if I would have been brave enough to offer it; I hope that I would have dealt with my fear and tried even so.



I'm glad that you have found someone who has helped you. Whether the Bible is right for you or not is between you and God, if you have a belief in God; it is not my right to impose it on you.



I can tell you for a fact that if you need help, you can walk into ANY synagogue, Jewish Family Services Center, Jewish Federation Center, or Jewish Community Center and speak with the people in the office; that's why they're there. You don't have to be Jewish. I personally may not be able to help, but synagogues have a LOT more resources than just one single person like me; I hope that if you need them, you will speak up and ask for what you need.



Shalom.

Answer 2

Having had one pretty poor experience with someone just out of rehab in my home, I wouldn't have taken you there. But I volunteer with community services and would and have helped people on the streets find the resources that are usually available in large cities.



It's particularly hard to ask for help when you are not feeling worthy of it and most street walkers (I hope you don't find the term offensive) don't feel particularly worthy or loving towards themselves. I hope that you will *always* remember that you are worth the world. Every human is worth so much more than we usually get, but it's a good thing to keep striving for.



I very rarely read the Bible, usually only cross-referencing, but then again, I'm not a Christian ;) If you would like suggestions for other books that might inspire as well, feel free to email me.



Good luck and my best wishes go with you.

Answer 3

Honestly, I would have probably invited you for a cup of coffee, and just talked.

I have many friends in many different places in their lives. I do not judge someone by what they do, unless it directly harms me or someone I care about.

I used to know a girl, my best friend. She was a foster kid when I met her, we were 17. I watched her life spiral out of control over the course of 2 years, watched her try to take her own life. I tried to help her the best that I could, but it did not help. She went to rehab, and I took her into my home when she got out. I put everything I had into trying to help her.

She did not want help. She let my house after a few weeks, we kind of separated after that. It hurt to see what she was doing to herself. I have not seen her for 2 years, although she is in my mind daily. I miss my best friend, she made me aware that there is good in all people. Even when she was at her lowest point, I could see it.

So, the best way that I can answer your question is to say that I would have wanted to help you. I would have attempted to become a friend. I don't know if I really could have helped you though, because it is not me who decides your fate.

Just as my best friend did, you have to choose your own path, whatever that may be. Nobody can change who you are except for yourself. You are the only one that knows what you want in this life.

I truly do wish you the best. I hope you can find the answers that you need, and that you succeed at whatever you do.

Answer 4

I believe everyone is called to help those in need



it's what Jesus did

"it is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick."-Matthew 9:11

"Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners"-1 Timothy 1:15



it's hard for people to go up to those in need, people on the streets, they fear that they might lose their reputation or whatever



I truly want to help others but I just don't have the resources to help the people I want to



but God has truly helped you and risen you back on your feet, he has blessed you



and definitely read the Bible, start in the book of John, in the New Testament, don't whoosh through it, soak it in, highlight scriptures



the reason why the Bible is the number one book in the world is because it changes lives



may God be with you and give you strength during temptations

Answer 5

I read the Bible when I'm looking for something specific...and yes, I would have wanted to help you because I always want to help everyone. The most I could have done would have been to pray for you, though, and I probably would not have personally approached you. I'm not trying to be mean, but the world is a scary place.

Answer 6

I don't know what I would have done, but it would seem that she did the right thing. I am disabled and have four children to take care of. I don't think it is wise of me to approach any stranger on the street because I have to take certain precautions to protect myself. I owe that to my kids. However, if I had no children I don't doubt that I would have done the same thing. I used to minister to people in unfortunate circumstances before I had children.



I read the Bible however I rely on the Church as my teacher, the one founded by Christ, the Catholic Church.



You might be interested in the Biblical parable of the Good Samaritan.

Answer 7

Personally, I would have had you read "When bad things happen to good people".....another religious book, but with a different message more directly related to what you are going through....

I want to help everyone....I don't know if any one other that you can help you...but you must be your strongest advocate and your biggest cheerleader. You need something to be passionate about, something to live for and to live healthily for...help others in need....by focusing on the problems of someone else, it may help you to see that your problems weren't as bad as they could have been...plus you have insight....you understand like no one else can how that person feels internally. You need to find a way to turn your tragedy into something that helps both you and others. I wish you well...

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Answer 8

Yes i read the bible, and yes i would want to help. I am in school right now, and i hate hearing people talk about how they are going to do drugs and get high. Especially people who i know are smart, because when i hear them talking about their addictions, it just tells me there is a possibility they are screwed for life.

Answer 9

I would try to help you if I could. I have to be honest and say that I would be wary of you and your sincerety. My help would have no strings attached. You would never have to listen to me preach to you using fear as a means of control. There is no hell, sweetie. The bible is only the words of many many men. If you must read it, do so with sommon sense and logic.



I hope it all works out for you.

Answer 10

I don't read the Bible. I've read the entire thing before, and found it disturbing and uninspiring. However, I would absolutely help you. I wouldn't preach to you...I simply would have taken you out for a nice hot meal and asked you what you wanted out of life, and done everything I could have done to help you achieve your goals.

(Coincidentally, the Beatles' "Help" just came up on my playlist. I had it on shuffle.)

Answer 11

I can pray for you. It's the least I can do dear one.



God is love, and you are loved.



May your heart always be

the temple of the Holy Spirit.

May Jesus always be the helmsman

of your little spiritual ship.

May Mary be the star

which shines on your path

and may she show you

the safe way

to reach the Heavenly Father.

Amen

Answer 12

Yes, I read the bible. Yes, I would have wanted to help you- but it is up to you to say how we can help you.

Congratulations for turning your life around, and I wish you all the best.

As for the lady who helped you, I encourage you to repay her kindness by showing kindness to others.

God bless.

Answer 13

Yes, I read the Bible, it is God's word. The answers are in it. I suggest you get a New Living translation, because it is written in plain modern English.



God will reward her for helping you.

Answer 14

I would have helped all I could. My husband went through the exact same thing, so I know where you are coming from. In the Bible, my husband found comfort. I'm sure it would help you too. You also need friends, however. Please remember that you can IM or email me anytime you'd like to talk. God bless you.

Answer 15

Yes, I would have wanted to help. I hope that you are on your way to God, as He is the only one that can truly save you.