I live in pennsylvania, where recently, a giant flood swept though my town destroying trees, roads, bridges and houses all around me. My house was ok because it was on higher ground.
After the water levels lowered, I went down to a neighborhood where as far as my eyes could see, there were people taking all there ruined belongings out of there homes and throwing them into dumpsters along side the road. I wanted to help those people, but I didn't know any of them and thought it might be weird to offer it. Was it wrong for me to ride my bike through town just to view all of the destruction?
2006-07-01 18:46:32 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
No it was not wrong.
If you want to help all you have to do is ask any of them if they would like your help. Most people in this situation would love to get any help that they can.
2006-07-01 18:51:15 · answer #1 · answered by misticalrose986 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The simple answer is no. It is not wrong to want to see what happened. Never help anyone out of a sense that this is what you think others expect you to do. Be a genuine person. Help someone if that is what YOU really want to do and IF you have the means to provide help. Keep in mind that some will have insurance. FEMA may enter the picture. I'm sure a community outreach of some sort has started. Shelters, food, etc. are no doubt offered. It is a devastating thing to lose everything and start over. People do it all the time but it is not easy. The help they need is the help that helps them get back on their own two feet. After that the help should cease.
2006-07-01 19:03:05 · answer #2 · answered by pshdsa 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know what it is, but most people just 'ride by' without helping. You shouldn't feel guilty about it, but you should help if you're moved to do so.
Those people will also feel compelled to reject your offer, even though they know they need the help. That's just the way people are. You and them.
I know it will feel like you're intruding on their personal lives, but, that's where 'communities' are formed.
Everyone talks about how they wish it was like the old days when people helped raise each other's barns or neighbor ladies took care of kids when the mother was sick, but we've grown accustomed to our own independence and don't want to intrude on someone else's.
Natural disasters are just a perceptive example of circumstances that require neighbors to help each other. The need is there every day. Roll up your sleeves and dig in and don't take 'no' for an answer. If they protest, tell them that they can help you out in return. Or just invoke some Bible quote that they can't argue with. That'll shut 'em up.
2006-07-01 19:01:57 · answer #3 · answered by normobrian 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No,you did not plan on this,but as an afterthought,you were thinking if only I could/should have helped.It's ok to now find other ways to help your neighbors.Maybe some yard work,soon!! Tell afew neighbors you know,and the word will spread.Thay can contact..you.If you live with parents/wife,they might appreciate the phone call,and knowing exactly who you are assisting,anyway.Then,it will be planned and both parties will feel more comfortable.
2006-07-01 18:54:46 · answer #4 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it's only wrong if you had a bad feeling of guilt afterwards. It's all about how YOU felt aftwerward. There's nothing wrong with curiosity. Just feel fortunate you still have everything. Oh and if you have anything you don't value, just give to some kids that lost some of their stuff.
2006-07-01 18:52:38 · answer #5 · answered by Xx Kesshin Xx 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to follow what the Lord puts on your heart. If, as you passed those people who were cleaning up you felt you should ask if you could help. Then you should have offered your time.
2006-07-01 18:56:03 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
How would you know if they even wanted your help?
Personally, I don't believe you had any obligation to involve yourself with the problems of other people. You did what you judged was the right thing for you to do at the time, and that's perfectly okay.
2006-07-01 18:56:30 · answer #7 · answered by My Big Bear Ron 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it's normal curiosity. But you really should have stopped and asked if anyone needed any help. At least then it would have given them the opportunity to either accept your offer or turn you down and it wouldn't have been awkward.
2006-07-01 18:51:19 · answer #8 · answered by DEATH 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No not really, you all had to deal with your own devastation and I doubt anyone would assume you had nothing better to do and possibly had your own mess to deal with.
Sorry your area got all that. : ( I'm in Northern DE and my area lucked out, no flash flooding as feared. That rain was crazy.
2006-07-01 18:52:37 · answer #9 · answered by Indigo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think it was right or wrong. I simply think that if it was something that you felt in your heart that you wanted to do, then you should have done it. But if the opportunity has passed, then let it be a reminder to heed what your heart tells you.
2006-07-01 21:30:38 · answer #10 · answered by jft1217 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋