Would you take me into your home?

Hello everyone...

I have been meaning to send somthing similar to this letter/post to my parents but I have decided to post it here instead in order to get a more varied and diverse array of opinions. Please discuss it among yourselves as you feel comfortable to do so.

Perhaps my subject line should be more appropriately phrased: "would you take someone you knew only from conversing with them on the internet for months or years (but someone you had never actually met in person) into your home...even for a short time?".

I know many of you would take a beautiful child or stranded puppy, kitten, bird or other animal in, right?. But how about a hungry, homeless human begging on thier hands and knees for a hot meal and/or a warm bed to sleep in...for even a few nights?. I'm just trying to gauge the "pulse" of humanity here in our society as it currently exists.

If your answer is no, it would be totally understandable because animals don't require the same level of commitment or pose a same-species "competative" threat or challenge that us humans do. Elk fight elk. Dogs fight other dogs. Humans fight (and go to war with) other humans. Since "opposites attract rather than repel", most humans would not think about getting into a fight with their family dog, horse or cat but rather, would be MUCH more inclined to protect them. However, many people, if sufficiently provoked, would be much more likely to attack a fellow human, than a cute little kitten. Go figure.

I have a strong zoologly background and have worked in many zoos, raised exotic animals and have a class 3 wildlife permit in the state of Florida which grants me the right to keep exotic pets (penguins, tigers, flamingos, etc). Not a "brag" but a fact (and I studied and worked hard for years to reach that point and happen to be rather proud of it)

Anyway, I want to talk about Texas. Many people in Texas offered UNCONDITIONAL HELP AND ASSISTANCE after the first N.O. hurricane hit and left thousands dead or homeless (I've been to Texas both as a lowly "bum" and as a "citizen" and I can vouch for the fact that NO state can beat Texas when it comes to hospitality, caring and compassion. Take it from a person who has been to Texas MANY times. These people are God's gift to the world and I mean that sincerly folks. During my travels, I spent a great deal of time in every state except the far eastern ones and Texas is unbelievable when it comes to taking care of their fellow man or woman and they don't care if your a millionaire or a bum!. If you don't believe me, just go there yourself (broke and destitute) and you will get treated like a KING OR QUEEN!!. I even had a guy get ANGRY at a Bible convention one time because I politley refused his gift and he shoved a 50 dollar bill in my shirt pocket leaving me with the words "you ain't robbing ME of no blessing!!". I greatfully accepted, thanked him profusely and wnet to a table wher ethey sold preacher tapes and bought a BUNCH of them. No, I'm not preaching religion, I'm just telling the TRUTH about what I spent this kind, Texan gentleman's hard-earned money on!. As much as I LOVE every single soul on this board, noone will EVER take me away from my LORD JESUS but I beg you, please don't let this detract from my original, humanitarian, question regarding ones willingness to take another into their home.

Despite issues like paranoia and fear, most people are actually kind and decent (I know because I spent 15 years hitchiking across N. America, Canada and Mexico) and it's the few "bad apples" that give the good people in our society a bad name.

A lot of us in these forums feel comfortable sharing our various experiences in life but would be unwilling to provide a "deeper" level of help if it cost us money, privacy or if we felt threatened in some way (perfectly understandable though). Taking an internet freind into your home is much different than taking a long-time highschool or college buddy we've know for years in for a few weeks.

Well, I guess that's it for now. So would any of you take me in if I came calling?. Would you help a fellow human in need?. I know that talking about religion is a risk here but I have been to plenty oif Christian/Islamic/Hindu forums and ALL of them have offered me a place to stay, food, a place for my animals and whatever else I needed and all within a just a few short posts.

I will respect your rules here but I will NEVER stop being a Christian or trying to convert precious unbelievers even if it means a ban. I have a mandate from Christ and that must come first evern though I love all of you so much and want only the very best for each and every one of you.

Sorry, I'll have to to finish this honest locked/banned post later. At least I was HONEST. I amrisking a LOT of reputation as well as the longstanding relationship/friendship I have with Dr. John and Ozzie by posting some of this material. In all fairness, I would only ask that they sensor any offending portions of this post rather than deleting it in it's entiery. I have simply spoken my mind and been as honest as I believe I can possably be.

I will edit later...

- Warm regards GreyGoose,

It has nothing to do with religion. I have, do and will continue to take in strangers and relatives anytime the need is there. But I will be cautious for my familie's sake. I really didn't get the question or the point? Many here have posted of friends and relatives closer to the disaster taking in those of need. What is the question?

Do you think that moving will someone solve your mental health issues?

I can tell you right now, I have been begging people to take me in too...strange coincidence.

Moving will not change the situation or your anxiety - but I think I know what you are feeling -

Maybe you want to be taken care of?

Hi Ozzie. No, I am far from needing a place to stay at the moment but your response does serve to confirm my belief that very few in America would allow another into their home. While this hurts me deeply, I also have tp admit that I do not blame you at all and that even I would be reluctant to take a total stranger into my home. Would he/she try to rape/rob me???. Yes, it's a shame that a few idiots in our society (including terrorists) have us so paranoid that we would be terrified just to have a know at out door from some poor sap wanting nothing more than a cold sandwitch ):

(((hugs))) to all who need them!

There was a time in my life that I did take in and help others. I am no longer am to do that. However, I have contributed to putting someone up in a local hotel in an emergency. There have been plenty of times when rather than give money, I gave food to the beggar on the street (who's eyes I ALWAYS meet.) Hmm rethinking this again, as I am uncomfortable "bragging" about doing what I only felt was duty to and because of humanity. Why are you researching this, again?

Remember, where ever you go... there you are!

Relax people!. I was just pretending to be a poor orphan waif hoping that someone would allow me in so I could steal their big-screen plasma TV set. Geeezzz...does'nt anyone trust anyone anymore???. what a screwed up society!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

yes....i would take you in........my husband would disagree though and some words would definitely be exchanged..lol.....i grew up with a dad who took EVERYONE and EVERY ANIMAL in much to the dismay of my mother.....i loved the way my dad had the highest regards for everyone no matter what their plight in life .....people say...."you take after your dad".....and i would hope that this is one of the ways i do......

sorry grey, just not understanding the question. I am having a dense night I quess. I hope you see the world is full of goodness as well as evil.

_Sky

Could you please show me where I researched this in the past?.

oh heck tim....no plasma at this house.....lol

Let's face it. People have been burned way too many times by con artists. People have been taken advantage of. People are very suspicious and distrustful...wary...just like a deer in the headlights. As much as we all whisper superfical "sweet nothings" of support to each other (talk is cheap), I'll bet if I showed up at anyone's door, I'd end up with a load of hot leadn in my gut.

Thank's for your "support" - although I totally understand the distrust.

Please excuse me while I go spend the rest of my life with a pack of wild dogs...

>oh heck tim....no plasma at this house.....lol

Of course not "friend".

Hey, you mentioned con artists? I was burned by one, that's why I am like this...It is not a "just world", that was what I was taught in my psych classes.

Don't run off with a pack of wild dogs...

sorry to disagree with you tim....but i still trust people....

Hey grey! Breathe buddy! I was hoping you would get some really good responses, but it seems that maybe you weren't looking FOR them? I am having trouble comprehending... depression.. you know how that goes... ok... my "again" was in reference to my thinking you might have said why you were doing this question... not that you had before.

I feel somewhat snookered. I answered your post in good faith, yet it seems I've drawn back a nub. hehehe

It still could be a good thread, imo... which ever way you wish it to go, ok? just my opinion. TC (((grey)))

no.

>sorry to disagree with you tim....but i still trust people....

Great, so does that mean I could spend a few nights or even weeks if I needed a place to stay?. Heck, I'd sure do the same for most of YOU people.

Calm down! It will be ok.

I don't get it. If you didn't need help then why did you ask for it?
Ozzie didn't have to respond at all but what you wrote may have hurt her feelings. Isn't this like crying wolf? What's up? Are you too proud to ask or admit you need a home because you've been turned down? Or is this genuinely a finger on the pulse of humanity? If it is a test, here's your answer...

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!, I'd never take someone in from what I knew of them over the internet. That's just stupid. I've rented my room to people who've stolen from me and ruined my property. They invaded my privacy, did illegal drugs in their room and made me have to call the cops for protection. And this is after I've screened them before they've moved in.
Twice I've had to go to the police and twice the police told me point blank "Don't EVER take ANY stranger under your roof."
Not only that but a few nights could legally turn into months because of the eviction laws most states have out now.
It's not a question of humanity-it's a question of survival and of protecting oneself.

I don't see the point of this exercise.

No.

No, I wouldn't.

Like Jax said, it's not a question of humanity. You have to do what you have to do... especially when it comes to protecting yourself and your family.

And tomorrow I'll tell you how I really feel.

In this home, the doggies I take in don't steal from me or get drunk on the alcohol I have put away for future use. I don't have to hide anything away for safe keeping with my 4 footed friends. They don't come into my home telling me that they will take care of my other animals while I am gone & then feed the guinea pig bird seed & feed the bird guinea pig pellets.....& on top of that kill the fish by not feeding it at all.

They also do not come into my house as hired help & then steal ID, write checks, & cut phone chords when they are caught applying for a credit card using my Mothers name.

I have been burned too many times by too many people who I haven't known that well only trusted....because I hadn't been burned yet. After the experience last year with the home care RN that came into my Mothers home & stole her blind & then called the police on me to accuse me of abuse to my Mother.....She was supposed to be so passionate towards cancer patients & she came highly recommended by my Mothers boyfriend & his daughter.....never to trust anyone again. I do not let anyone into my living quarters again....never, no way, no how.

I do not trust any humans....I was even scared to death to take an older lady home who came up to me outside of Wal-Mart needing a ride home late at night ( I took her home anyway, but held my breath the whole way.....& swore after that I would never do that to myself again).

I have never had a good experience to out weigh the bad experiences.....they have all been bad......so why in the world should I trust humans ever again.

I will stick with my 4 legged true friends or even the 2 legged birds....but nothing else....I don't even want the 2 legged person I have been maried to for 30 years in my life anymore so why would I want to take in anyone else.

I was always open to helping people & putting them up in my home but I have been burnt with my experiences & not willing to go there ever again. I now have the intense need to protect myself & the only way I know to do that is to not let any person into my home again.

I am planning on being a rescue home for horses, dogs, cats, & any other critter that needs a home or safty, but I just can't trust humans anymore.....unless they are people I that are completely close friends that I have known well for years & know their background.

I can't afford to put myself into the position I am now trying to recover from.....the last burn was so horrible that I can't even look at a person like her anymore & feel any feelings of being safe.

So you can understand my NO answer.

Debbie

Philosophers at heart love this type of question,as there really is no good way to answer. If someone answers, "No." then they could appear cold and selfish. If someone answers,"Yes!" then they might appear foolish. To answer in between, as I did, doesn't really answer the question, and could also appear to be egotistical.. Yet, all the answers can be correct, imo! It takes conversation... to develop... putting feelings behind and thinking first? Then add feelings... or wait, maybe... justify the feelings with knowledge? ah ha!