Topic: The Hand Out
I read an article today about a local DC professional basketball player who helped out a homeless man by buying him lunch earlier this year. It reminded me of the last time I was in downtown DC when I gave some money to a homeless man who was down on his luck. I worried a bit at the time what he would end up using the money for, but after reading today's story I thought back on it. What the man ended up using the money for was his business. I hope it would be put to good use, but it was a gift and once it left my hand I should not have let it bother me any more. Anyways, that's the story and here's the song. I will be sure to post the link once I get a recording up.
The Hand Out By Jeff Gilpin
November 18, 2013
Verse 1
[Am]I gave a helping hand out to a man out on the [G]street.
A little friendly aid for them, maybe get a bite to [Am]eat.
[Am]My parents raised me growing up to care for my fellow [G]man.
Not to carry them all on my back, but to still give what I [D]can.
So I [Am]give when I am able and try not to give too [G]much.
I hope they one day can survive without my little [Am]crutch.
I [Am]know that I’m quite fortunate to be the man they [G]see.
Where I am by the grace of God, but that man could of been [Am]me.
Chorus
[D]You are what you are when no one’s [Am]looking.
[G]You’ll do what you do when no one [Am]sees.
[D]You may be near the top of your [Am]mountain in life,
[G]Or down in the depths upon your [D]knees. [Em] [G]
Verse 2
[Am]What he did with what I gave I guess I’ll never [G]know.
It could go in a needle or a bottle or some [Am]blow.
[Am]How those I give to use it, well it will be there de[G]cision.
It may take them even lower or may strengthen their con[D]viction.
[Am]It pains me this frailty that affects my fellow [G]man
Surviving in this crazy world where everything will and [Am]can
[Am]Happen to the best of folks despite their best laid [G]plans.
Something breaks as their life skates on down to where they [Am]land.
Chorus
[D]You are what you are when no one’s [Am]looking.
[G]You’ll do what you do when no one [Am]sees.
[D]You may be near the top of your [Am]mountain in life,
[G]Or down in the depths upon your [D]knees. [Em] [G]
Verse 3
[Am]I can’t let their decisions deflect me from what I [G]do.
I tell myself that in some situations that man could’ve been [Am]you.
[Am]I’m far from a judge; I’m not the jury of this [G]man.
It is his choice to act upon the gift I’ve given [D]him.
[Am]Yet why am I so worried that my gift hasn’t [G]helped.
I may have done more harm, or more [Em]tightening of the [Am]belt.
Like [Am]step stones placed into his path and I’ve just placed a[G]nother.
I pray his steps will lead him out and [Em]not cause him to [Am]stumble.
Chorus
[D]You are what you are when no one’s [Am]looking.
[G]You’ll do what you do when no one [Am]sees.
[D]You may be near the top of your [Am]mountain in life,
[G]Or down in the depths upon your [D]knees.
J E T S
...and yet a Washington Commanders fan (unless they change their name again) ...long story...HTT...C
...and yet a Washington Commanders fan (unless they change their name again) ...long story...HTT...C
