How Would You Respond?

I hate the thought of someone being really hungy, but I have to say; I don't think I'd open the door, if I was alone, and not expecting anyone.

don't open the door when you are alone..period. If they can ask for food they are not dieing... and most likely they are there to harm you.

I have taken in animals and kids for 35 years. I can tell you this with certainty... kids past the age of 10 from abusive homes are 90% of the time unsaveable. They turn on you no matter what you do. The animals on the other hand never gave me a problem.

I wouldn't open the door if I was home alone. If my husband was here, we would refer the person to the local people who provide food and shelter for those who need it.

Truth in what you say. Isn't it sad that people can't be trusted?

Sue, that would likely be best advice

If I bother to answer the door when I am not expecting anyone, I do so with my fiercely protective German Shepherd at my side. THEN if appropriate, I will put the dog behind me. But anyone who shows up at my door had to pass half a dozen churches and church aid offices. If they walked past them and still made it to my house, they have far more than food on their minds.

I guess that means the answer is no.

It would be safer to have a big dog or some other protection in place, if the door would be opened. Also, if it was night, it would be best to call the police, I think, without opening the door

I'm always home alone but I don't usually have a full fridge so it's more of join the club thing, if you find any bring me a bite

I am usually here with just my children. I haven't given it much thought and have opened the door (usually looking to see who it is before doing so). If some one were asking for food, I would have to agree with Nanci, they have to pass several churches AND several houses in my neighborhood before knocking on my door. I would probably call my husband and the police.

Actually, in many places, there are soup kitchens, etc. to help hungry people. There's several in my area. and plenty of churches also.

While my two pit bulls held this person at bay OUTSIDE, I would go find them something to eat, I am sure I would have plenty of leftovers I could give them.

This is a very thought provoking question, especially for me, who is a Christian. Appearance would not matter so much to me as the person's demeanor. Also, it would make a difference if I was home alone or not. There are so many people these days who get into people's homes to rape, murder or rob them...and it is often done by pretending they are someone other than who they are. I think I might direct them to the nearest church or something before opening my door. I rarely open my door to anyone I don't know anyway if I am home alone. Years ago, I used to have this little neighborhood boy come and knock on our door every day saying he was really hungry and could he have a PBJ sandwich. I would always give him one, because he truly did seem sincere. Months later I found out he had been removed from his home due to neglect. I felt badly for not reporting it...and recognizing the signs. But he always looked cared for. And kids are always hungry, so I didn't see his stopping by as a warning sign....just a kid being a kid.

Sadly, I wouldn't open the door to a stranger because of the potential danger. I would probably refer the person to the church which is on the corner of our street.

Cheryl- It is a question that a Christian could 'struggle' with. A Christian wouldn't want to turn anyone away, and would want to believe what the stranger was saying was truth- but in this world nowadays, it might not be too safe to open our door. A person can't even be sure it's safe, judging the demeanor with the appearence. The situation with the little boy makes the point. Sending a stranger on their way, is the wisest thing to do.

Linda- Yes, it is sad, to think our world has became so dangerous, and we're not able to trust, like we once could.

My experience on these lines... below.... thank you Virginia for your comments!

Half Filled Stomach - Full Brimming Heart !

Behind the glassed doors
of that busy shop
serving succulent food for gluttonous humans
stood he!

Blistered face and sun-washed hair
tattered clothers covering a frail body
that looked like a burden for his tender life!

His piercing eyes spoke a thousand words
all meant just "hunger".
Yellowed, lifeless and aggresively feasting
through his thirstful look
He didnt speak, didnt ask but simply stared !

I was stunned, felt a bit guilty
I was endowed with the so called "money"
to feedmyself to feed my hunger
but at that instant
I know - to feed my soul
I have to feed that guy!

My hands protested
against my salivating tongue
instead obeyed my heart
packed my food
to offer it to that "surprised soul"

For him "to receive" kindness
to acknowledge his existence
and to cater to his hunger
was like a dream come true
after a million prayers
to the deaf Gods who reside above!!!

My half filled stomach
didnt ache that day
Instead my brimming heart
drained some tears
tears that did not taste salty
but "humanly sweet"

Raj....

I LOVE your poem, Raj! Thank you, for such a wonderful thought provoking poem.

Its hard to say....I always give food rather than money to the homeless but the intrusion of someone knocking at my door would put me off guard so I'd have to say no with the dangers lurking out there but an excellent question!