The One Hundred Dollar Bill

As a prospective employer, if you heard Patricia over the phone, you would think, "What a pleasant sounding voice...."

And, you would invite her in for an interview.

But, as a prospective employer, you would not hire her after you met her.

Patricia probably weighs over 300 pounds.  She wants to be a library aide.

I've been a librarian.  It sounds cushy...just sitting at a desk checking patrons out.  But, truthfully, it requires lots of lifting, moving about, rolling heavy carts of books to be put away, and occasionally chasing after people who - either on purpose or accidentally - walk away with an unchecked book in hand.

So, I felt a sorrow for Patricia knowing the odds were stacked against her.

The lesson on DRESS FOR SUCCESS made me uncomfortable sitting in the same room with her.  She probably only has tee shirts and big sweat-type pants that even fit her.  How can she dress for success when she has no money and is the size she is?

I ached for her.  I wanted to just anonymously slip her a 100 dollar bill.

But, really, is that any solution for her?  Does that solve her long-term challenge of getting a JOB?  Of earning her own money?  Of feeling successful?  And, of course, it does not.

The whole scenario reminded me - once again - of why I am always so impressed with our church.

They don't want to just HAND people things.  They want the best for people; of any race, creed or religion.  The church wants to help Patricia and people like her by teaching classes, giving one-on-one instruction, holding effective career workshops, having mock interviews, job searching that is realistic.  The church knows and has known for years that just giving people money is not the answer.

I won't be able to give everyone who comes in with job challenges a one hundred dollar bill, but hopefully, I will be able to help them in some small way that will be permanent and effective.

And that is so much more significant than slipping them a one hundred dollar bill.