I recently came across the question, “When is the last time you did something nice for a stranger?” There are indeed instances when we encounter strangers who have legitimate needs, but the bad experiences that we have with strangers who do not seem to be “on the level” make us cautious when dealing with all people unknown to us.

Most of us were probably taught as children to not talk to strangers. This was sound advice from our parents to prevent us from being harmed or kidnapped, and I believe in my case it once possibly saved my life.

Several years ago, my father was a patient at Fort Sander’s Hospital. I was about fifteen years old, dressed in a suit that I had worn to church. My parents were very overprotective, and this alone made me wary of strangers. On this occasion I wandered alone down to the cafeteria where I encountered a questionable character. He told me he had a stereo out in his car and asked if I would like to buy it.

I wasn’t street wise by any means through experience, but television is in some cases a good teacher. My guard instantly went up as I perceived this guy was not a safe person with which to associate. It didn’t seem to me that most on-the-level people would approach teenagers they had never seen before and offer to sell them merchandise from a car. Was he trying to ditch a “hot” item? Was he seeking someone to kill and torture? Was he mixed up with drugs? All of the above? None of the above, perhaps something worse?

How did I play into his plans? The guy might have thought I had money, since I was dressed in a suit. Perhaps he thought I belonged to a rich family. Perhaps he thought I was easy prey, and I know I looked the part—thick rimmed glasses and acne helped me look young and vulnerable. His intention might have been to get me in a secluded spot and rob me, then maybe hurt me badly or kill me. I got no good vibes from this guy at all!

I was afraid to say much to the guy for fear he might draw a knife or gun on me. I told him I’d look at his stereo, and he walked confidently ahead, probably thinking to himself, “Easy sucker!” I followed behind, until I spotted a security officer at the cafeteria cash register. I told the guy, “I’ve got to go over here a minute.” He turned and watched me approach the security guard, then quickly disappeared.

Had I followed the guy outside the hospital, who knows what might have happened to me? All kinds of scenarios have played in my mind throughout the years. A worse thought is what has happened to many unsuspecting children throughout the years who were more gullible and trusting. Children today are often given too much freedom and information at too early an age, and this makes them feel more invincible and less wary of strangers. Even with the “street smarts” those under eighteen get from their endless access to technology, at heart they are young, vulnerable children, easy prey to those who would harm them.

I remember adult encounters with strangers. Once my wife, stepson and I went to Wal-Mart. We stayed in the car while she went inside. I was about half asleep, when a sharp knock on the window got my attention. This crazed-looking individual began giving me a story about needing money. I normally don’t carry cash, but on that occasion I did have some actual green money on my person. I gave this person ten dollars through the barely open window so he would go away.

For a while, there seemed to be a proliferation of people at convenience stores who were asking for money. Not carrying cash is one way of honestly telling these people that you have no money. A lot of these strangers begin their conversation by saying, “Sir, I’m not a bum.” I have never been disappointed in one of these conversations with my belief that a hard luck story would follow and money would be requested.

I once encountered a gentleman who came over to me when I was purchasing gas. He began, “Sir, I’m not a bum.” The story continued that the man needed money to get home. I asked where he lived and he replied, “Maynardville.” I said, “I live there, too. Where in Maynardville do you live?” He gave me a general description, and he did indeed have a Union County license plate. I judged that five dollars in his tank would probably take him home. I used my card to put that amount in his tank. He thanked me and said, “I don’t know how I’ll get to work tomorrow.” I replied I didn’t either, but that at least I’d gotten him home for the night.

Churches are also places where strangers often seek help. At least in the church there are usually several people present, so danger is not so imminent. Once a stranger appeared in a Wednesday evening service at the church I attended and asked the pastor for monetary assistance. The pastor told the man he would speak to him after the service. I went with the pastor when he spoke with the man. The man said he had a dying relative in Chattanooga and needed enough money for gasoline to get there. The pastor asked him several questions, including where he was from. The man said he was from upper East Tennessee. The pastor asked him if he had a driver’s license. The man said yes, but it was in the car. The pastor said, “That’s fine, we’ll go to your car with you.” When we got there, the license plates were from Knox County. The pastor said, “I thought you said you were from upper East Tennessee.” Then the pastor asked him if he had luggage, since he was making such a long trip. The man never produced his driver’s license and could not seem to get the details of his story straight. Finally, the pastor told the man that he needed Jesus more than cash. We were a small church struggling to pay our debts, and really had no funds for such purposes.

It has always been challenging to help strangers experiencing trouble along the roadside without putting oneself in danger. One of the greatest benefits of cell phones has been the ability they have provided to remain safe while helping strangers. It is the easiest thing in the world to call 911 to report a car on the side of the road.

Nice people want to be nice to everyone, even strangers. The Bible says in Hebrews 13:2 (KJV): “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” It is a good thing to help those in need, and if done safely, we will survive to help others in the future.

It’s a dangerous world, Faithful Reader. Be kind and safe.