It isn’t nearly as uncommon as it should be. Since living here on the south side even my husband has been approached twice now with the notion. This time, it was by a male. (He) made a late night stop at the gas station across the street and ran into (or was encounter by) a man in need of some cash. The guy mentioned something about needing to get to Philly, but (he) was keen on the fact that some type of addiction was more likely closer to the truth.
My first reaction was to be utterly horrified; and I remained that way for a moment. It wasn’t until the sorrow of his sad, hopeless and pathetic desperation sank in that I felt comfortable with the idea of Stephen having invited him to Wednesday dinner.
I have a lot of doubt that he will show up tomorrow night. The man wasn’t much concerned with making a friend or with a free meal.
I can’t help but cry for him; pray for him.