Many years ago, I went into my neighborhood Fast Mart to purchase a pack of gum. A sign was on the door that said, “No more than 2 kids allowed in the store at one time!” While inside the store, I saw two little boys sticking candy into their pockets, trying to keep a look-out for the manager or Po Po.
“Hey!” I said. “Give me that! Empty your pockets! Yes, the back ones, too!” Their eyes grew big and they appeared stuck, trying to decide if they should comply or make a run for it. Then I told them I was going to buy their candy. I asked them to stand with me at the register. They did.
When we got outside, I told them I’d bought the candy for them because I wanted to talk to them. I let them know they were nice looking little boys and I believed they were intelligent. If they didn’t start to make better choices, I told them, they would end up in jail, shot, or dead. Their crime would catch up with them. I asked them to repeat what I had said. With a look of surprise, they did, then walked away glancing back at me twice.
My companion was watching from the gas pump. They said, “What were you doing with those kids?” I explained and they said, “Are you crazy? Those boys could have killed you!” Honestly, I did not feel my life was in danger. But I believed theirs were. It cost me about $3.00 to get those kids in my audience. Our purchases have the power to change lives.
What was my role? What will yours be? Let’s use our valuable time, our wisdom and common sense–and our dollars and cents–to make powerful change!
The Lovely Can storybook illustrates the big impact adults can have on children’s lives. Donate 5 or 10 copies to your favorite community center, teacher or school library. It is worth the investment! Love your neighbor: Purchase printed books to share! Impact the world of a child!
by Sheila AO
Read Printed Books | Love Your Neighbor | Do More Together
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To read some of my previous blog posts, click on the link here and here.