Where is the love?

Rude people amaze me. I cannot seem to wrap my mind around it. What is it that makes people so inconsiderate?
The other day I was walking through campus on my way to class. There was a homeless lady on campus doing some begging. When she approached me I gave her a dime because it was all the change I had in my pocket. Following I saw something that really got to me. I have been thinking about it ever since.

The lady walked up to a student and I saw them talking. I assume she was asking for money or anything the student had. When the conversation ended, the student practically bolted across campus. She was afraid of the homeless lady. At this point I wanted to do two things.

I wanted to approach the student and talk to her. I wanted to ask her why she was so afraid of the homeless lady. I wanted to tell her that the lady was not going to do her any harm. I wanted to tell her that the lady was just another person. I also wanted to talk to the homeless lady. I wanted to pray with her and show her come comfort. I wanted to let her know that God loves her.

I thought to myself for a minute. I had my lunch packed in my backpack and I knew I had an apple. I also knew that I could eat an apple when I got home. This lady may not have a chance to eat anything. This was assurance that she would be able to eat one healthy thing during the day. She thanked me for the apple and I proceeded on my way.

I did neither. I had to get to class. I had to get to class early. Early is the keyword. I had more than enough time to pray with her. I had more than enough time to carry on a little conversation with her. Does this make me as bad as the student that bolted across the classroom? I showed compassion by giving her an apple but I acted as though I did not have time to talk to her. I should have talked to her and prayed with her. I am not beating myself up. It is not the end of the world. I only hope that I see her again so that I can pray with her.

I challenge you all to this. If you see someone begging on the corner do not turn the other cheek. Treat them with compassion. Make time to talk to them. Pray with them. Maybe all they really need is prayer. Maybe they really want someone to talk to. It is common for me to have food in my car to hand out when I see people in need.