I very much like Tal's comment (what is MI?).
I am freshly out, although having struggled with things for many years.
LOVE has always been the factor that bothered me the most.
There was a WT (certainly not the first) that re-emphasized that if we love people, the most important (and only) thing that we could be doing is to be in the ministry.
Five weeks ago, outside a fast food restaurant, I was about to drive away, and a man stopped me.
He said, don't worry, I'm not going to ask you for money.
All I want is a ride to a church that is not too far away. I said sure.
He was from out-of-province, had just moved here with his wife and child. His truck had broken down, and he was worried about losing his new-found job as a result.
He said "a church" (didn't say 'his church') back home arranged for "a church" out here to help him (the churches were different denominations).
The priest met him when I dropped him off.
Friday at the same place, a not-so-well off man approached, I braced for the ...
So, I bought him a burger instead of just giving him money. He told his story in line.
Had shattered his left arm in a work accident - employer tried to have him not report it. He got some workers' comp, but had been cut off. His left arm was at 20% functionality. In spring, he slipped on ice, and broke his right arm badly, and was sent to another city for surgery. His right arm was still in a cast. Because of Workers' Comp cutting him off, he shamefully went for Social Assistance but it would be 2 weeks before any payments.
An earth angel nearby finished her food, walked past us, and put something in his hand. He said, No, he's already buying me food, and she said, "You'll need to eat tomorrow."
She scampered away, and said "God bless you"
(It was $20 + ).
I helped out 2 other strangers in modest ways in the past 2 weeks.
You know what the JW answer would have been, "Here, read this, and God will take care of you."
