So I was listening to NPR today when they played Storycorps. These are personal stories people record giving an oral slice-of-life. I normally don't pay too much attention to them but this one caught my attention. If there ever was proof that it's not the situation, it's how you react to it that determines your mood, this was it! The actually story can be found here: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=89164759

If you didn't read it, in a nutshell, a man in New York steps off the subway and is robbed at knife point by a teen. After handing over his wallet, he offers the young man his coat saying, "If you're willing to risk your freedom for a few dollars, then I guess you must really need the money." Confused the robber asks what's going on. The "victim" offers to take him to his favorite diner for dinner. They go. The robber sees how this man is nice to everyone, even the dishwashers. He is stunned. The check comes and the man asks for his wallet back so he can pay the bill. The would-be robber hands it over without thinking. After paying the bill he then gives the robber $20 and asks for the knife. The robber gives it to him. And in the end, he ate at his favorite diner, helped a troubled teen, and walked away happy.

Part of the reason I stopped listening to people like Rush and Shaun is because I get sick and tired of hearing how godly and religious they are while bashing those they don't agree with. "Talent on loan from God." He opens with and is often fond of saying "A liberal is simply a conservative who hasn't been mugged." I'd be willing to bet the man who told this story is a liberal. If he's conservative, that's great too. Either way when faced with a negative situation, his true character came through and he never forgot who he was. I say the liberal thing because in the end, if he was before, he still is. Here is someone who demonstrate better Christian values than many claiming to be Christians and yes, even me. Had that been me, I'd have given him my wallet, brooded, then called the police to give a description then the bank to have my cards reissued. I wonder if they would put a story like this on their show and see the beauty in it or would they bash this man as a bleeding heart liberal; then run a story praising someone who shoots a robber during a home invasion. Hate isn't the answer and we need to realize that, especially when it's disguised as "tough love" or harming another. And before you ask, yes, I keep a loaded gun in my house and I know how to use it.

But here was a man who clearly demonstrated the true teachings of Jesus. When given a hostile situation he answered it with love. Where many of us would have gotten angry, tried to fight, or called the police and had him arrested; this man saw that this young man needed help, and he helped him. So much so that he might have actually changed a young man who needed to see a better way.

There is one thing I need to mention. At no point in his description does he mention God, Jesus, religion, politics, or anything else. He "simply" acts. (pun intended for those who read the story)

Not many people, including myself, could have done what he did. And there lies the real jewel of the story. We can talk the talk but this man proved that he could walk the walk. A great example for all of us, regardless of political, religious, or any other affiliation.