I decided recently to adopt a motto that I thought of earlier this week.
I was coming from a midday doctor’s appointment, no, I am not pregnant. I was getting a check up after getting some blood work done. It’s okay, I’m fine.
I realized that I hadn’t eaten so I thought that perhaps I would swing by Taco Bell on the way home and get a taco. Yes, just one taco because I was trying to see if I was really hungry or just likes the idea that I could eat something without sharing. #momLife
Anywho. As I turned the corner, I saw a young man, maybe early thirties, holding a sign saying he’d fallen on hard times and anything would help. The desire was there for me to give and so was the sadness in realizing that I didn’t have it to give. I normally keep a couple dollars on me for such an occasion, but not today. All I could think about is, o was just relishing in the moment of having a taco by myself and now I felt completely guilty of my privilege.
Suddenly, I whispered to myself, you know kind of like when people say the Lord told me, if you don’t have it to give, you don’t have it to splurge.
Some may say that I was convicting myself but really, in today’s economy, I really don’t have it to splurge. It felt like the right thing. I could eat at home and he could not.
I remember a younger me that would have pulled over and taken him to get something to eat but, sadly, times have changed. I wish they didn’t. Being a woman, a black woman, out in the streets alone is unsafe enough. It would be unwise to invite more possible scenarios.
This was four days ago and I still see that man on the other side of town, the other side of life, in my mind.
It was a gentle reminder to be kind and be ready to give at all times. It’s how I was raised and how I raise my bunch. I’ll be sure to remember to keep my blessing cash in the side of my wallet. The fact that at least the 5 cars ahead of me also gave nothing makes it worse. I know we may not always have it to give but when we do, we should.
My new motto, if I don’t have it to give then I don’t have it to splurge. Y’all be easy out there. ❤️
JustAskMaia 