LOST in THOUGHTS

LOST IN THOUGHTS
Some of the routes we find drivers using when there is bumper to bumper traffic are quite interesting. They employ different tactics with the hope of getting to their destination on time and meeting their sales target for the day. At such times,  a dual carriageway instantly quadruples to yield to the demands of lawless drivers. As much as some passengers complain, others are enthused because left to them, they'd rather get to their destinations in time.

As an ardent trotro(public transport) user, I have keenly observed the irony whenever there is a traffic jam and  vehicles are either coughing out fumes from their exhaust pipes or grinding to a halt.
The irony is that while the red traffic lights give an indication for drivers to stop,  the same red beacons all manner of people to begin "business".
One of such 'business' groups is those who beg for alms.

These beggars often approach vehicles amidst small talks to get some few coins from passengers.

Some passengers on the other hand, act generously and hand them some coin or note, whereas others turn to a different direction, maybe, with the excuse that human beings are not  trust worthy. Truthfully, some people have harbored the fear that giving alms to beggars may rather cause misfortunes on the path of the giver,  as some may be cultists in the guise of beggars.
This fear, may have emerged from overexposure to African movies which portray beggars as witches or wizards.
Granted, some people may have had negative encounters with beggars or people who act as such, that they have taught them to turn a deaf ear rather that show "mercy".

This is in nobody's defense, but with the current situation being faced in our economy, people will resort to anything and I mean anything,  including posing as buggers, to make ends meet.

I read something some time ago and if I could, I'd like to share it on here as well. I went to church after being away a while to attend to some pressing issues and as praises and worship was ongoing, I was tapped from behind and when I turned around, I was beckoned to come. When I did, I was asked to take the first scripture reading for the day. I was taken aback, not because I couldn't read or something but because I hadn't accurately prepared for a reading that day hence I got a bit disturbed. But since I had been given that task, I couldn't shake it off or turn down the request. I sat down for a while to brush through the reading. Quoting exactly, it was an extract from the book of Ecclesiastes and just so I don't bore you, it was basically about acquiring so much on earth and in the long run, you don't even live to spend every dime you worked hard for. It is either given to someone to enjoy and the question of the person handling it properly or even adding up to it is left unanswered.

I often wonder how much money they make and what "miracle" they are expecting in order to vacate the streets.

Some of these beggars have mastered the art so much that they really know how to appeal to one's conscience. And if for some reason they realize they aren't making enough money in a particular area , they move to another street.

What is more striking in all these is the various types of givers I have encountered in my trotro experience with beggars.
I notice that some passengers who finally decide to give after several pleas, songs, and Bible recitation sessions from these beggars, either do so with scorn, or reckless abandon. Others behave like the biblical Pharisee and as if to gain the admiration of other passengers, raise their "offering" in an apparent fashion before heading it to the destitute.

You see, giving as stated in the Bible is a good thing but how one goes about it also matters very much. When you give, it must be wholehearted. You must do it in such a way that people hardly notice, devoid of any malicious intent; to boost  your ego or raise your status.

I have this friend who is much more of a mentor and a big brother who always says "I give as my conscience directs me and not because I have and I want to show off".
Inasmuch as things are difficult and we are in trying moments, learn to extend a helping hand to someone not because you expect something in return but because you have this feeling to extend a helping hand.(Edited by YouGenia Kumi)