It's a shame how rescuers are treated. They are poked-fun-at, ridiculed and in some circles considered potential deviates. In psychological terms 'rescuing' may be viewed as co-dependent behavior. These ordinary people who regularly save the day or impact lives as part of their normal routine are labeled as non- assertive types with deep-seated martyr complexes driven to rush to the aid of other misfortunates. Some therapists say that there is something wrong with people who don't say no enough (for instance, when asked to volunteer for something) and who seem to let others take advantage of their goodness. Well, I say, "God bless them, every one!" We need a lot more of them.

There's Ned. He's self-employed - a music teacher, I think. One morning a week Ned clears his daily planner and walks around downtown handing out tracts and smiles and engaging strangers (from who knows where?) in cheerful conversation. Some would say that he's a real nut-case. I don't think he'd care much, though, because he's too busy helping change people's destinies. Besides, for him it's fun to walk, breathe fresh air and talk to people.

Another example of a normal rescuer is that busy young mother who regularly takes her kids down to the soup kitchen where they all help out. Would child development specialists say those kids are being traumatized being subjected to homeless people? How about that couple who go to the park after school every day to involve latch-key kids in crafts and then run a "Sunday School" on Saturday mornings? All true examples of rescuers and none of them are sent out by a church or are overseen by a
committee. They spend their own time, their own money.

Rescuers are the kind of people who go that extra mile. Recently, we saw a man holding a sign that said, "I am homeless, can you help me?" It was a bitterly cold day and just as I was compassionately thinking, "That guy should be hitch-hiking south," a small car pulled over and a young man jumped out and handed him a sandwich, hot drink and snacks. A rescuer! My heart was glad and my conscience was relieved. But others might call him undiscerning or worse a pushover. After all, the sign-holder didn't look all that bad off. There seems to be growing cynicism toward the poor and needy among us. Maybe we'd rather leave them to the government and big charity organizations that screen them carefully then decide who gets what. That's more comfortable.

But I was impressed with the young man who helped the sign-holder - even though his actions magnified my lack of sensitivity. He recognized a need, drove to a store, purchased a meal, drove back and gave it willingly and personally. Rescuers have a knack for going out of their way and personal acts of kindness and decency.

That particular incident prompted a discussion between my husband and me about just how far people should go to help others. There are so many logical arguments about the right way to handle these things. I mean everyone knows that you just can't give away money to these people because it might be spent on drugs and booze.

Well, after a brief discussion, my husband turned to me and said, "You know, Jesus said, 'Give to those who ask of you...'" So simple. "Go and give..."

That reminded me of Jesus, our model rescuer. What would be the response to His acts of rescue...?
Gee, I guess we already know.

Rescuers... we need a lot more of them.