Beggars #1

This will be the first of what I expect to be a number of posts on this subject. I have been working on a project documenting inner city beggars in various countries around the world. But I will leave more information concerning this thought to other posts. This post actually relates to an incident which took place Saturday afternoon as I exited the 118 freeway on Tampa Blvd.

On the left side of the freeway exit ramp was a beggar with an oboe. In front of me was a large SUV with what appeared to be a mom with a few kids in the back. I could see her face in her left mirror as she honked her horn to get the beggars attention and then proceeded to give him some change as she passed him in her truck.

I can't personally judge the thoughts and intentions of her heart. But the conceited smug smile on her face made me think of what her motivations might have been in giving him that change. Perhaps she just wanted a good feeling, perhaps she wanted a boost of pride in her own superiority, maybe she wanted her children to see her doing this deed, or maybe she was really hurting for him and wanted to help in some way. I don't know her intentions, but it makes me think of two completely no-related things which I would like to think about more.

1. What are my own intentions when I do "good deeds"? Is it to feel good about myself, or boost my pride, or make myself look good in front of others, or does it reflect the overwhelming goodness that God has shown to me on that person.

2. Why do people give beggars money and what is the real story behind these beggars.