Compassion and the Single Christian Woman- Daily Life

[iwillrisenow]

Ladies, how do you balance practicing compassion in daily life and being mindful of your personal safety as a woman (especially those of you who are single and/or often alone throughout the day)?

I used to feel pressure to open a purse when encountering folks on the street. As a student, I don’t have a ton of money and most people that I’ve encountered and given to seemed to assume that I am in the position to swoop down and drop a couple hundred dollar bills in their lap. I’ve been cursed at and called names. I’ve had folks demand that I give them more when I literally had just given them all I had in my purse (I usually don’t carry a ton of cash around with me when I’m walking alone in the streets). I’ve given to one person to have several others come out of nowhere, swarming at me and yelling, “What about ME??” All while being completely alone in the streets. That last incident was the final straw.

There are certain things that, as a single woman, I’ve just decided that I do no need to risk. Somehow I doubt that they would treat a man or a woman with a ring on her finger (and thus a man who could vouch for her) with the same level of abuse. I’ve settled on smiling, speaking, and acknowledging folks and saying a prayer that someone in a better position to engage with him/her will come along and provide what is needed, whether that’s a charismatic gentleman who can provide good conversation or a well-to-do couple who can provide a decent meal and shelter.

How about you? Have you found any ways to be compassionate that are more compatible with your state of life as a single woman?

 

[anonymous_in_fl]

Give to charitable organizations who help the homeless. Go volunteer a few hours a week or a month at your favorite charitable organization.

 

[Valentine_Angel]

I’m a single Catholic woman definitely in the Spinster category. I had a cat but he almost destroyed my apartment while I was in the hospital, and caused some of my severe health problems. It wasn’t his fault. I’m still grieving over his loss. He is being taken care of by a wonderful couple , has his own room and other kitties to play with, very happy. It’s been over 3 months since I’ve seen him, and I still cry for him almost every day (I live by myself). I’m hoping that maybe I can get a small dog later on, but I will forever miss my cat. I guess the Lord wants me all to Himself now that I’m almost a half-century old and in poor health.

I’m a nurse so I spend most days helping people that way. When I lived in a big city I would help the homeless by making box lunches out of food I was going to throw away but was still good, or put half of what I ordered at a restaurant in a doggie bag before I ever touched it. Then when I was asked to give someone money for food, I would tell them about the food I had on me and would they like that? The ones that wanted food liked it so much! The ones that wanted money for drugs or booze would get angry and usually cuss me out. But I almost never did this when by myself. Now that I’m in a small city, I don’t come across people in the street where I live, as I have to drive to get where I’m going. I only give money at my church or to friends and family when they need it. I volunteer at a food bank at times, too. Maybe you can get involved in a parish ministry. If these people ask you for money on your way to and from work or on a route you travel on a lot, find the nearest charitable organizations there. Give them directions. Maybe you could volunteer at one of them. That way when they ask, you can say, “I’m sorry, I don’t have any money I can give you, but I’m on my way to Martha’s Place over on Government Street. They have beds, showers, and meals there. Why don’t you come with me? They even have bus tokens to get to the Unemployment office.” If they want help, they’ll take you up on it.

Hope this is helpful. God Bless you! :heaven: