Empty, Caring words

My dad rarely asked for help (without doing something in return). I spent many late nights with him, his best friend and his best friend's son working on the car. In return for the son, his knowledge and tools, my dad always got a crate or more of beer. It is a wonder the car was working the next morning. That is how I was raised, we do not ask for help or favours without favour in return. We take handouts with hanging heads and shame filled hearts, love is earned. If you do a great job at school, in the garden or clean the car until it gleams, then you maaay be called 'my dear,' maybe once. No merit was undeserved, even food and clothing had to be somewhat earned.

When I left home we somewhat had a plan for my financial needs. To be honest we knew it would fail. Other kids had made it with less, we were given confidence that I would make it without trouble. Zimbos though... we were a showy people. We told of problems only after they are solved to our glory, suffering was for others. The people around us maybe, not us. "Oh ---, he went to the States. Yes, he is doing great very well indeed, he got a job, bought a car and. Oh jobs are easy to get, plentiful and very well paying. Your son will be fine, as long as he works hard. Oh yes, he should go. I will give you -----'s number so that they can keep in touch. Oh yes. Sure, sure," our mothers said to each other in the twilight hours in suburban street corners. I don't know the reality my peers faced, the ones whose numbers I was promised. I know it was not that easy for me. How do you work hard if you cannot get a job to begin with? How do you stay in school if you cannot work? But you cannot work if you are not in school! I made it though...through prayer and un-gained favour. So, really, He thought to teach me what Grace felt like.

Here I am, a grown, semi-accomplished young man and still I refuse unmerited favour. In college, people would often ask about me and my family (who are still home, in poverty and sickness.) I appreciated the concern, it hurt though, I needed immediate help that someone could start to give and all they had was, "Well I hope things work out for you." I know people cannot always help, and I do not know the intricacies of their situation. A little help though little, is help indeed. Here I am again. Friends and acquaintances ask often and all they have are words and wishes. I hope they pray, I pray they pray.

One young man impressed me just yesterday, by his calling to say, "hey, things are bad, I'm sorry. How can I help? All I can spare is a twenty every month." WOW! Good for him, GREAT for him. He will send his money to my orphaned niece, help her get to and from college. If she graduates she can better help her siblings. By helping her, at least 2 little boys have a future.

Yes, we are in unfortunate times, I do not want your pity while you stuff your faces and your lives. We need help, if all you have is just a little, that is good. Before you we did not have that little! We are better off for it, thank you. Do not care for me with your empty words, I am not impressed! I have enough of my own.