Walking the walk
“Put your money where your mouth is.”
Do you know what this means? I asked a few people and their answers where similar. They said you should act to back up what you express in words. It could be an aggressive act or a loving act or anything in between. It isn’t usually about the money.
I’m writing about this because like you, I have heard big talk and no action and at other times profound action after some honest brief talk. My column was also influenced by an encounter I had in the parking lot of a local super market.
I saw a large SUV, packed with all kinds of travel stuff, in the parking lot. There was writing on the side that said something like, “Missionaries.” I noticed that the plate was from Kentucky. I went about my business and picked up a few items in the store. When I came out I saw a husky middle aged guy pouring water into the radiator. I asked if I could help even though I have no knowledge of auto mechanics. He said no but we chatted because I was curious especially after I saw four kids and a female adult.
Paul told me that he was a Baptist minister who toured the United States preaching. After he introduced me to his family, he mentioned that the kids were home schooled. “Wow!” I said to myself, “What a commitment.” The family didn’t look tired or depressed or broke but I sensed they could use some provisions. I took them into the store for some groceries. It might sound nutty to you but I had a good feeling about these people and my feeling matched the sincerity in their eyes.
After we loaded the groceries into their vehicle, we talked more and I said that I would contact them again in a day or two. Later that week I had them over for dinner. Some of my lunatic friends said, “Aren’t you worried that might bump you off or steal your possessions?”
Do you get annoyed when some religious people demonstrate their commitment to their beliefs by showing up at your door? How about Jehovah witnesses? How about those young Mormons, under twenty-five, who are also “cold calling” for their religion. I admire them. Even though I disagree with some of their doctrines, I like that they are “Walking the walk instead of just talking the talk.”
Some years ago, I deviated from my Catholic upbringing some and went to a local Presbyterian church. I’ll never forget the mission’s trip we went on to benefit the poor and orphaned in Naivasha, Kenya. This was one of many trips like this sponsored by the church. We weren’t just attending services on Sunday. It was one of the most rewarding religious experiences that I have ever had.
After a neighborhood priest, Fr. Mario, took over my childhood parish, I returned to my Catholic roots and was very happy to hear about a program to make a concerted effort to house the homeless especially during the frigid winter months.
Most religions have humanitarian activities available to those who want to sacrifice their time for good causes. The Muslim Soup Kitchen Project feeds people in homeless shelters throughout our region. The group’s approximately 200 volunteers include cooks, drivers and shoppers. One Saturday each month, food is delivered to shelters and served to hungry people. The director, Uzma Popal said “Helping people is a big part of our religion. It doesn’t matter why people are in the shelters and need food. We know they don’t want to be there, no one does. But we want to make the situation better.”
I will always admire people who walk the walk no matter what their religious affiliations are.