She was as red as a red rose.
As we stood in line in the Piggley Wiggley, she turned and asked,
"Do you know of a natural remedy for sunburn? We don't have money."
My husband hearing only the "natural" part said, "aloe".
Me hearing the 'no money' part, looked closer at the sunburn.
She pulled up her shirt to show that her stomach was burned also.
The flaming red burn covered every inch that was exposed, arms and back, also.
Having once been in that same predicament and remembering how painful and miserable it was, it was easy to feel compassion.
~
I chose to ignore the fact that the young couple was unwisely purchasing beer and cigarettes, when medication was the greater need.
I hurried to the first aid isle and found the only sunburn product.
Back at the check out, I watched as the young woman put back the cigarettes when she could not find enough change in her purse to pay the cashier.
The man chose the beer over her physical pain and remarked that he had told her not to go to sleep in the sun.
As they completed their transaction, I told the woman to wait a moment.
When the Solarcaine was scanned I handed it to her with a God Bless You.
Whether they were grateful or spongers didn't matter.
I would have felt shame if I had walked away without trying to help someone in pain.
The outcome is not what matters, doing what Jesus might do in the same circumstance is paramount.
Although He might have healed the burn, naturally!
~
"In the same way, let your light shine before men,
that they may see your good deeds
and praise your Father in heaven."
Matthew 5:16 (New International Version)
