When a Stranger Asks for Help
Trust your instincts. Offer kindness. Know the difference
“An ordinary grocery trip can hold extraordinary choices.”
If a stranger came up to you and asked for help, would you say yes?
I had that situation this morning at the grocery store.
Minding my own business, getting ready to take the groceries to the car, when a stranger asked to borrow my phone.
Didn’t hesitate. Handed it over.
He said he needed to call his son.
Of course, after I gave him my phone, the doubts started creeping in.
Not that the stranger did anything suspicious.
It was just my gut starting to sound alarms.
Why? I don’t know.
But I listen to my instincts.
Couldn’t afford to lose my phone—it’s my lifeline. Everyone for my dad’s issues, family, and house adjusters has that number.
Was I overreacting? Maybe.
Still, I kept a careful eye on him as he moved away, probably for privacy.
But I didn’t let him get too far, and I stayed between him and his truck—just in case.
I asked him about his dog—just making conversation while I waited.
He hesitated before answering.
Something in that pause made my instincts kick in even stronger.
He finished the call, handed my phone back, and told me to make sure I hung up.
Already done. I didn’t want to be involved any more than I was.
Then came his parting comment:
“Things are going to change today.”
The words themselves weren’t threatening, but something in his voice made them land heavy—with an edge I couldn’t quite name.
Heading home, I wasn’t surprised when the phone rang again. Somehow I knew it would.
I answered, told the guy on the other end exactly what was said.
He said thanks and hung up.
Should I have said no in the first place?
The reason I didn’t—If I needed help, whether to borrow a phone or something else, I’d hope someone would help me.
Have we become so cynical that we can’t—or won’t—help anymore?
A little kindness goes a long way.
And you never know the ripple effect one small act can create.
My choice every time will be to help—unless it puts me in danger.
But I’ll always listen to that voice that kept me safe today.
How about you? What would you choose to do?
Remember: doing nothing is a choice—
And sometimes, it speaks louder than you think.