The Classic Pamela Positive: Stop For Three Dollars

The street always stops me.

 

There are so many homeless people in San Francisco, that it can be overwhelming.

 

 

It makes your heart stop — there are people who really need help.  And then there are people who make homelessness a lifestyle choice.  So I’m careful about how I donate and when I do it.

Today was different.  A wonderful gentleman who was selling our San Francisco homeless newspaper was kind and working hard. Street Sheet in San Francisco employs the homeless to sell the Street Sheet newspapers for $1.

They are working.

Obviously things on the street are really hard to track. But in this case, I just turned around. I went back. I just thought there was something right there. Follow, follow, your heart.

 

 

I had a kind conversation with Ben*, but I didn’t have any ones.  I only had tens. Did he have any change?  He didn’t know, but he could check.

“I would like to give you three dollars. Keep the newspapers, and I want you to keep selling them again.  Would you be able to give me seven dollars, please?”

He goes, “I dunno, I’m a checking.” He pulled into his pocket…

And the miracle came.

He counted them out.

He had seven ones.

 

 

Seven exactly.

I just looked into his eyes and said, “That was God, wasn’t it?”

He said, “It surely was.” He just started smiling and laughing.

I said, “Keep selling. I don’t need the papers — I read up on homeless issues all the time. I support you! Have a wonderful day!”

 

 

When we hear that call in our hearts… listen….. it says

Stop

Listen

Give.

We have to do it. Otherwise we would miss one of the most meaningful opportunities of our lives right there about affecting someone.

It was the perfect interchange.

It’s just amazing.

Don’t miss listening to your heart today.  Then, give.

 

 

*Name has been changed to protect Ben’s identity on the street.