Least of these

So I had an experience today that I'd like opinions about. I was waiting to pull out of a parking lot when a young man waved to me like he wanted to talk to me. He looked 18ish, black, kinda saggy shorts, and tshirt. He looked like he was attempting to grow a beard and had a very nice, friendly appearance and smile (I want to be very descriptive about him to make sure the scene is set). He told me he was from some kids center and was walking to the Samaritan center to get a free box meal that the kids center had told him about. I've never heard of this kids center or Samaritan center but it made sense. He was asking if I knew where it was and told me the road name. He was holding a paper with directions on it and was double checking. I google mapped it on my phone and it was a 2 minute drive away. I told him he's pretty close and he asked if I could give him a ride over there. I've got Emma with me and about a million thoughts went through my head. I told him I couldn't because I was going the other direction and that I was running behind for an appointment (a lie). He glanced and I'm sure saw Emma in the backseat, said thanks, and continued walking toward his destination. 

As I drove away, I had a lot of thoughts and was/still am trying to be brutally honest with myself. Why did I tell him no? It wasn't because he was black, because I would have said no to a white man as well. It wasn't because he was a man because I would have said no to a woman too. 

I told him no out of fear. For myself and my baby's safety. But I think I was wrong. Obviously I was wrong to lie, no question there, I just didn't know what to say. We aren't called as Christians to be fearful, but to help anyone in need. I don't want my girls to be afraid to help people and in a lot of ways, I'm glad Grace wasn't in the car to see that I turned down the opportunity to help someone and even lied. 

I know that most women, especially with a kid in the car, would have done the exact same thing. I'm just not sure that's the right thing to do. We hear about all these horror stories of people being kidnapped, raped, killed, etc and we are afraid. But once again, I don't think that's what we are called to. Anyway, I just can't get it out of my head and wanted some thoughts/opinions. Would anyone else have helped him? Or would you all have done the same? And what do you think is the right thing to do?

“He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ (Matthew 25:45 NIV)