A message from a good friend of mine on FB that both broke my heart and made me think.

[BlueCaliDem]

28. As a (non-practicing) Christian, I've always believed that we should give without conditions.

What they choose to do with the money is no longer our concern. Give with the heart and hope for the best, but don't overthink things.

I've raised my children to do the same thing. Don't question what they might do with the money. Just give with your heart and hope for the best.

Just recently, a day before Thanksgiving, hubby, son, his girlfriend, and I were having lunch at a local Mexican restaurant (hubby can't get enough of Mexican food - and he's Dutch!). I of course am always tasked with doing the ordering for everyone, so when I eventually came to the table after placing our order, I saw this young, uncomfortable man sitting rather close. I gave my hubby a curious look and he nodded for me to sit down. In Dutch, he told me that the young man had asked if we had any cash for something to eat. Luckily, I had cash on me and gave him $15. I knew it took a lot for this young man to ask for charity in front of two people who were around his age. I knew he was embarrassed.

In the end, he got in line but when he saw we weren't looking, he left without ordering. I felt badly for him because I knew he felt embarrassed about having to order his meal there and then to have to sit in the same restaurant as the people who helped him. I wished he didn't think that way, but I understand.

My children are all working and two of them are members of ASPCA and the Humane Society. They donate every month. If someone asks any of us for a couple of dollars, and if we have it, we give it, no questions asked, no "wondering" what they'll do with it. I've raised my children to either give with their heart or not give at all. I can't stand people who question what these people will do with the charity they receive. It's none of our business. I firmly believe that our "business" ends the moment the money leaves our hands.