In life, what goes around, eventually comes around

New Orleans Museum of Art (New Orleans)
November 29, 2011
GCCF doubles seafood payment formula
December 1, 2011
New Orleans Museum of Art (New Orleans)
November 29, 2011
GCCF doubles seafood payment formula
December 1, 2011

The following story is entitled, “You reap what you sow.”


“Good morning,” said a well-dressed woman as she walked up to the man sitting on ground. The man slowly looked up. He thought she wanted to make fun of him. “Leave me alone,” he growled.

To his amazement, the woman continued. “Are you hungry?”


“No. Now go away.” The woman’s smile became even broader. Suddenly the man felt a gentle hand under his arm. “What are you doing, lady?” the man asked angrily. “Leave me alone.”


Just then a policeman came up. “Is there a problem, ma’am?” he asked.

“No problem, officer. I’m just trying to get this man to his feet. Please help me.”


The officer scratched his head. “That’s old Jack, a fixture around here for a couple of years. What do you want with him?”


“I’m going to get him something to eat at that cafeteria and get him out of the cold.”

“I don’t want to go in there!” the homeless man insisted. Then he felt strong hands grab his other arm. “This is a good deal for you, Jack. Don’t blow it.”


The woman and the police officer got Jack into the cafeteria and sat him at a table in a remote corner. The manager came to their table and inquired, “Officer, is this man in trouble?”


“This lady brought this man in here to be fed,” the policeman answered.

“Not in here!” the manager replied angrily. “Having a person like that here is bad for business.”


Old Jack smiled. “See, lady. I told you I didn’t want to come here.”


The woman turned to the cafeteria manager. “Sir, are you familiar with Eddy and Associates, the banking firm down the street?”

“Of course I am,” the manager answered impatiently. “They hold their weekly meetings in one of my banquet rooms.”

“Well, I am Penelope Eddy, president and CEO of the company.” “Oh.” The woman smiled. “I thought that might make a difference.” She glanced at the amused cop. “Would you like to join us in a cup of coffee and a meal, officer?”

“No thanks, ma’am,” the officer replied. “I’m on duty.”

“Then, perhaps, a cup of coffee to go?”

“Yes, ma’am. That would be nice.”

The manager hustled to get the officer’s coffee. Ms. Eddy stared at her amazed dinner guest and said, “Jack, do you remember me?”

Old Jack explored her face. “I think so. I mean you do look familiar.”

“I’m a little older and a few pounds heavier than when you worked here. I came through that very door, cold and hungry. I was just out of college and had come to the city looking for a job, but I couldn’t find anything. I was down to my last few cents and had been kicked out of my apartment. I walked the streets for days. It was February and I was cold and nearly starving. I saw this place and walked in hoping to get something to eat.”

Jack lit up with a smile. “Now I remember,” he said. “I was behind the serving counter. You came up and asked me if you could work for something to eat. I said that it was against company policy.”

“I know,” the woman continued. “Then you made me the biggest roast beef sandwich I had ever seen, gave me a cup of coffee, and told me to go over to a corner table and enjoy it. I looked over and saw you put the price of my food in the cash register.”

“So you started your own business?” Jack asked.

“I got a job that very afternoon and worked my way up. Eventually I started my own business that, with the help of God, prospered.” She opened her purse and pulled out a business card. “When you are finished here, I want you to pay a visit to a Mr. Lyons. He’s the personnel director of my company. I’ll go talk to him now and I’m certain he’ll find something for you to do around the office.” She smiled. “I think he might even give you a little advance so that you can buy some clothes and get a place to live until you get on your feet. If you ever need anything, my door is always open to you.”

There were tears in the old man’s eyes. “How can I ever thank you?” he said.

“Don’t thank me,” the woman answered. “To God goes the glory. Thank Jesus. He led me to you.”