Can you really help someone? That’s always been a big question for me. I mean, beyond medical things, it seems people’s situations are usually their own doing. I’ve talked about a friend of mine who misses opportunities to improve her situation. I don’t think giving her money would be any kind of help. But if money doesn’t help someone who is struggling financially, what will? Education?

It’s the whole teach-a-man-to-fish conundrum. When is giving a man a fish appropriate? Recently I read about the Harpers from Extreme Home Makeover who received a brand new home and a boatload of cash, but they are still getting foreclosed. So what could have helped them? What on earth could ABC have done for them? I don’t know their particular situation but maybe if they had spent the week at some kind of self improvement workshop rather than Disneyland they could have improved their situation. You know, if ABC had taught them to fish as well as giving them a fish.

It seems like a pretty cold perspective to say that it’s impossible to help people. But in a way it kinda gives me hope. If people’s situations are based on their own doing then that means my situation is based on my own doing. And I like my situation. I like my life. I, apparently, did this all by myself. That gives me security. When hard times come (as I’m sure they will) I don’t have to worry if someone is going to be there for me. Because I can’t be helped! I will be there for myself and that’s all I need.

pic by: Poagao