050124, Wednesday, Journal Entry

Vitals: Weight 226.4

Book of Mormon Reading: 2 Nephi 5

Journal Entry 

Yesterday was a good and busy day. I was able to participate in an Endowment Session at 0600 in the Orem Temple for a relative named Frank Janny. Then, as planned, breakfast with Jake and Cathy at Corner  Bakery. Got some steps in at Fashion Place Mall while Cathy did some shopping and finally a good shift at the Bishops Storehouse. 

I actually slept pretty well last night knowing that I had no pressing duties this morning. We are scheduled for an Endowment Session together at the Provo City Center Temple this afternoon. We will do some chores around the house this morning.

Come Follow Me 

Mosiah 4:16 And also, ye yourselves will succor those that stand in need of your succor; ye will administer of your substance unto him that standeth in need; and ye will not suffer that the beggar putteth up his petition to you in vain, and turn him out to perish.

17 Perhaps thou shalt say: The man has brought upon himself his misery; therefore I will stay my hand, and will not give unto him of my food, nor impart unto him of my substance that he may not suffer, for his punishments are just—

18 But I say unto you, O man, whosoever doeth this the same hath great cause to repent; and except he repenteth of that which he hath done he perisheth forever, and hath no interest in the kingdom of God.

19 For behold, are we not all beggars? Do we not all depend upon the same Being, even God, for all the substance which we have, for both food and raiment, and for gold, and for silver, and for all the riches which we have of every kind?

"In every big city, we have those who are beaten down and left by the roadside—those who are homeless, destitute, hungry, and sick. Some say that by giving them money we only support their habit of drug or alcohol addiction, thus enabling them to continue a lifestyle they have chosen. It is so easy to judge these individuals and…speculate about all the mistakes they have made in their lives that brought this great misery upon them…

There are many ways to help the homeless, including the contribution of time, goods, and money to humanitarian groups, soup kitchens, or agencies that deal with these problems. Nevertheless, it seems to me that we must also show mercy unto them. The established principles of welfare are an appropriate guide."

Elder William W. Parmley Of the Seventy, October 2003

I have often pondered about what to do with people who are standing on corners begging for handouts or who actually approach me asking for money. Elder Parmley's advice seems to be too let the various social agencies including the church deal with this. And we do contribute fast offerings and other funds to the church which oversees distributing food and other necessities to those in need. But I sometimes feel the prompting to give a few dollars in some situations and I do that. Hopefully I am complying with what seems to be the suggestion in the above scripture... Helping the needy.

"I have wept in the night For the shortness of sight That to somebody’s need made me blind;

But I never have yet Felt a tinge of regret For being a little too kind."

 C.R. Gibson quoted by President Thomas S. Monson, November 2009