BE CAREFUL HOW YOU TREAT STRANGERS

BE CAREFUL HOW YOU TREAT STRANGERS

Jesus Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith, admonished us to adhere to what we know call The Golden Rule:  “As ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” (Luke 6:31)  The Apostle Paul stated it another way, “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (Hebrews 13:2)  The following true story is a powerful illustration that you never know who you are encountering during the regular course of your day.  These events occurred during the turbulent American civil rights movement, in the southern state of Alabama.

One night, around 11:30 pm, an African-American woman was standing on the side of a highway trying her best to endure a lashing rain storm.  Her car had broken down and at the time she desperately needed transportation.  Although she was nervous about seeking the aid of strangers, she was soaking wet and in urgent need of help, so she decided to flag down the next car.  A young white man stopped to help her, which was generally unheard of during the conflict-filled 1960s.  This kind man drove her to shelter, helped her to get assistance for her vehicle, then safely ushered her into a taxi cab. 

This unidentified woman seemed to be in a really big hurry, but she took time to write down the man’s address, to thank him profusely, and then she departed.  Seven days later, a knock came at the man’s door.  To his utter surprise, a giant combination console color television and stereo record player were delivered to his home.  A special note was attached, which read as follows.

Dear Mr. James:

Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night.  That terrible rain drenched not only my clothes but my spirits.  Then you came along, and because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband’s bedside just before he passed away.  God bless you for helping me and for so unselfishly serving others.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Nat King Cole