Living Examples

This is not an indictment of anyone. Please don’t take it as such. As with every general observation, the exceptions are numerous. But here it is. When it comes to helping disabled folks, the most likely to lend a hand are 1. Likewise handicapped, or 2. Poor folks.

Holding a door open for a disabled person in a wheelchair? The odds are that a person of lesser economic means will go out of their way first. I’ve had businessmen in suits just release the door in my face after they raced me to get in the door first, while I’ve had panhandlers stop panhandling to get the door for me. The store most likely to have a handicap-activated door? A store that serves the middle to lower class. Jewelry or other high-end stores, not so much. Again these are general observations developed after three years in a wheelchair, and there are plenty of exceptions. 

When I’m loading myself in my van, a process that takes 5-8 minutes, I’m far more likely to be offered assistance by a person of apparent lower economic status, or someone who is likewise handicapped. I usually accept the help although I seldom need it because it gives me the chance to thank them for their kind assistance and also I can learn a little about them. What I’ve learned is that people who will take a few minutes to help another are the people who best mimic Jesus.

We don’t know much about the crowd who crucified Jesus. There were no exit interviews back then. We know that the instigators were the Sadducees and Pharisees, the religious hypocrites of the day. We can only assume that they were also the wealthier people of their times, as making a killing off of being God’s anointed messengers (they claim) has always been lucrative. The actual Messenger was in their midst, but the chase for the dollar blinded them to the Truth. Then, when He was exalted by the crowds, the minions of the day, well, that couldn’t upset their business model. So we know who started the process of condemning Jesus to the cross, but who did the dirty work is unknown. The rich and powerful don’t like to get their hands dirty.

Or help the wheelchair-bound with something as minor as getting into the store. “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” Matthew 19:23-26. 

But now I’m preaching. This Christmas, know that your friend Kelly Burke may not physically need your help; I am so blessed compared to so many, but I appreciate your help. Learning more about Al, Ben, or Margie is enlightening, inspiring, and uplifting to me. Life is good. Merry Christmas. 

Kelly Burke, attorney, former district attorney, and magistrate judge, writes about the law, rock’n’roll, and politics or anything that strikes him. Contact Kelly at dakellyburke@gmail.com to comment on this article or suggest articles that you’d like to see, and visit his website at www.kellyrburke.com  to view prior columns.

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