I just came back from Boston on a trip with my wife and children. Saw many street performers and donated $ to their little kitty box. They seemed genuine and normal...
I/we chose to ignore the many homeless people asking for change. I must rethink my opinion on not giving them money after reading this. I’ve always felt I would enable them to continue to beg by donating. Or maybe they will run to get a bottle of whiskey instead of a sandwich...’I’m not sure what the answer is but I will just hope they use it the right way when I do give.
I remember reading a story about someone who is considered a great Christian writer. I think it was either C.S. Lewis or G.K. Chesterton. He was walking along with a friend and gave a few dolars to a homeless beggar. The friend said "why did you give him the money? He'll only spend it on drink, you know." To which the writer responded "I probably would have, too".