It's been a long, long time...

I am blogging again. After only a wee bit of encouragement from my dear sis-in-law, Liz; I have decided to share what I hope you will agree was a very interesting experience.

Last Monday (November 22, 2010), I stopped to fill up my gas tank on the way to pick up my son from Preschool. I was approached by a man, who was obviously homeless; and he asked "can you help me get some food?"

I always help. If it is within my means, and it usually is possible even in a small way, I help those that ask for it. I am a strong believer in the story of the Good Samaritan, and I believe that angels/spirits/others walk amongst us and test us to see if we are being the best people that we can be. I also believe that most people fail these tests.

So when this dirty, pathetically thin man asked for help getting food; I was happy to oblige. There was a McDonald's next door and I told him I'd be right back with some food. I bought an Angus 1/3 Pounder meal - large size because it looked hearty, a fruit parfait - because McDonald's does not offer much in the choice of fruit, a side salad - he needs greens to ward off scurvy, and some chocolate chip cookies. I figured I had the money, and he needed it more than I.

I drove back next door and presented him with my offerings. What happened next took me quite a while to process and come to terms with.

He took the bags of food, looked at me with unrestrained hostility, threw the food on the ground and started jumping up and down on the food; all the while cursing me and screaming at me. I was dumbstruck. I just stood there, frozen.

What happened next I am convinced was a Higher Power showing me a better world.

A very large, African American man (think Refrigerator Perry) was drying off his car outside the car wash. He immediately strode over to where I was standing and positioned himself between the homeless man and myself. In the quietest, most serious voice you have ever heard, he began to chastise this crazy fool. I cannot tell you word for word what he said, but I do remember clearly that he never cursed, never raised his voice. With his first utterance, the homeless man froze - like he was under a spell. The hairs on my arms and the back of my neck rose and I was covered in goosebumps; but I was not afraid.

When he finished telling this man how shameful his behavior appeared; he turned to me and said "You have done good, go in peace, you are blessed" - it was little more than a whisper in my mind.

I swear, I am not delusional and I am not fanatical; but this experience reaffirmed my long held beliefs. Angels/Spirits/Others walk amongst us, they are watching and testing; will you pass?