A Question that Questions you to Think and Probe

Author: Saiqua Rahaman

Country: India

I came across an interesting story that was forwarded to me by a friend.It just made an impact and has compelled me to probe deeper in my heart, as I read it a few more times with its philosophically deep meaning. Here it is again for all of you to enjoy. Mind you this story was anonymously written:

Brian was parked in front of the mall wiping off his car. He had just come from the car wash and was waiting for his wife to get out of work. Coming his way from across the parking lot, he saw a fat man, arguably one of the homeless street dwellers or in plain language was what the society would consider to be a 'BUM'. From the looks of him, he had no car, no home, no clean clothes and no money. There were times when one would feel generous and there are other times that you just don't want to be bothered. This was one of those 'don't want to be bothered times' for Brian. He hoped the Man doesn't ask for any money. He didn't. He came and sat on the curb in front of the bus stop, but he did not look like he could have enough money to even ride the bus. After a few minutes he spoke. "That's a very pretty car", he said. He was ragged but had an air of dignity around him. His scraggly blond beard kept more than his face warm. Brian said, "Thanks" and continued wiping off his car. He sat there quietly as he worked. The expected plea for money never came. As the silence between them widened something inside said 'Brian, ask him if he needs any help'. he was sure that the ragged man would say 'Yes', but Brian held true to his inner voice. 'Do you need any help?', he asked. The Man answered in three simple but profound words.

We often look for wisdom in great men and women. We expect it from those of higher learning and accomplishments. Brian expected nothing but an outstretched grimy hand. Instead, he spoke the three words that shook him down to the roots. "Don't we all?", he asked.

Here Brian was feeling high and mighty, successful and important, above a bum in the street, until those three words hit him like a twelve gauge shot gun. DON"T WE ALL? Yes we do! Maybe not for bus fare or a place to sleep or even to wipe the car, but is that all one is seeking for? He reached for his wallet and gave the Man not only enough for bus fare but enough to get a warm meal, and a shelter for the day.

Those three little words still ring true. No matter how much you have accomplished, you need help too. No matter how little you have, no matter how loaded you are with problems, even without money or a place to sleep, you can give help. Even if it is just a compliment, you can give that. You never know when you may see someone that appears to have it all. They are waiting on you to give them what they don't have. A different perspective on life, a glimpse at something beautiful, a respite from the daily chaos. Maybe the man was just a homeless stranger wandering the streets. Maybe he was more than that! Maybe he was sent by a power that is great and wise, to minister to a soul too comfortable in himself. Maybe God looked down, called an Angel, dressed him up like a bum, then said, 'Go minister to that man cleaning the car. That man needs help !!"