My rapt coworker and I had a discussion that was accompanied by a profound revelation. Due to a series of unfortunate incidences; a most unfavorable event transpired upon two "good" people. These in question did "good acts" and were often "well intentioned," but in doing so, little or no discernment appeared to be used. We concluded that "good without discrenment" may be just as bad as "evil without conscience."
I am sure everyone has been in a situation where they believe that this one good act is the right thing to do to help someone who has obviously had a hard time. Unfortunately, later, you discover that you were just the "free-ride-of-the-day", i.e., "a sucker for the cause." Don't you hate that feeling of being used or helping someone who doesn't want to help themselves? Sure...everyone gets lost from time to time or has some down time; but it is a fleeting moment. Sure, sometimes there are grand circumstances that render people helpless and/or hopeless. Is it the situation or the degree of the person? I don't know; I haven't walked in those shoes...but there have been examples of those who have overcome some more than impossible situations. Why? Was it their birthright? their destiny? their character? did they pray right? or was it somebody praying for them that prayed right? Anyway, there goes the rambler...you get my drift.....back to the blog.
It appears that sometimes just being good is NOT the good thing to do. It can promote continued helplessness and less than desired behavior. In fact, Sunday, I was talking with a lady who works downtown at the Frist Center. She had been kind to the homeless by giving food and allowing access to the bathroom facilities. After a stern response from Security, she was motivated to be less charitable — in essence, she was putting her stamp of security and integrity on someone she really didn't know or had no knowledge of their motives or past behaviors. Furthermore; she could have been injured or worse from such a "kind" act that might have rendered her as an incovenient but voluntary victim. If the wolves wear sheep's clothing; shouldn't we actually check the sheep? Do we really have to understand every rule before we realize it is there for our saftey? Is it there for our "safety?" I am forever saying to my female friends, "don't be afraid all the time; BUT, always be aware of your surroundings." There are few excuses for not knowing how close or whom is within a considerable distance from you, especially at night when the brightness of our darkness shines. I hate seeing people with headphones; it's only a matter of time before they step off the curb into a frightening and painful reality. Where your mind is; there is also your attention. Metal, bullets and robbers don't care that you didn't know they were there. I walk by breakrooms, cars and desks with purses wide open wondering...."don't people know, it pays to advertise; it costs to be the victim."
Good intentions without good discernment can really darken a bright day. I am NOT saying don't be kind; just don't be foolish.
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