Good Samaritan or simple act of kindness?

I was on my way to Douglas (AZ) today when on the other side of the highway I saw a truck that had a trailer in tow with it's flashers (hazard lights) on. Even though I was on a rather tight personal schedule I turned around at the first available spot on the road. What I found was Hispanic man with his family on his way to Phoenix (AZ). His truck had a flat tire and the spare he had would not fit. He asked if there was a tire shop near by and I told yes just up the road about a mile. I asked him if you like I can take you there and bring you back. He said yes please so off we went. Once we returned back top his truck I help him with putting the tire back on. When I got ready to leave he tried to hand me $20 (keep in mind is was about broke) I turned it down and said you will need it for gas. He thanked me again and I left.

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Comment by Heather Spoonheim on March 23, 2011 at 3:46pm: I don't see a need to differentiate between 'Good Samaritan' or simple act of kindness. The story of the Good Samaritan is nothing more than a tale about a simple act of kindness - we don't need to believe in a god or god-like qualities of Jesus to be kind. As a matter of fact, I think Jesus was sort of a racist for making such a point of going on and on about one little act of kindness by a Samaritan; it's as though he found it hard to believe that Samaritans had any kindness in their hearts!

Comment by Walter Maki on March 23, 2011 at 4:06pm: I titled it the way I did to draw attention. After the event as I was driving away a thought came to me if they only knew that the kindness came from an atheist heart. It would of been a good example of good without god.

It was how I was raised by a non-religous father. He helped people and never accepted a reward for what he thought people should do for each other. Some things are worth carrying on :)

Comment by Heather Spoonheim on March 23, 2011 at 4:13pm: Oh, yes, I'm sorry Walter - I didn't mean to belittle your act. You are right, a lot of people would wonder why an atheist would do such a thing. I just thought I would have a little fun with the Samaritan racism thing. It's good to know that one can count on some good atheist morality in a time of need.

Comment by Walter Maki on March 23, 2011 at 4:23pm: No offense was taken Heather I have a thick hide ;)

But it really does show that with proper upbringing tends to produce good results, no religion needed.

Comment by Tammy on March 23, 2011 at 7:20pm: That was very nice of you. I bet he was extremely happy you came along when you did.

I am the same way when it comes to people trying to pay me for assisting them. I always turn away. Only once I accepted because the guy said it would offend him more if I didn't. I still felt guilty though and used it to take all the kids next door to get ice cream.

There have even been a few occassions when I've paid for people groceries when they came up short at the register. It's always a good feeling. And, I too walked away wondering if they credited my act to God and not just simple human kindness.

Comment by Walter Maki on March 23, 2011 at 7:32pm: The saying I usually like to say to people who try to pay me is "Pay it foward" meaning that some where down the line somebody will need your help.

I have to admit I felt pretty good when I drove away.