I was watching a show the other night and it was a documentary on the homeless. I don’t know about all of you, but I couldn’t help but be inspired by their courage. Maybe some of you are facing this situation in your life. If you are, take note: You are worthy of a great life, no matter where you are, or who you are. As I was watching this show, one of the women who was homeless, talked about how many people walk by, hundreds of times everyday and never look up at them. She cited a story about a small dog that had been wandering around the blocks she frequented for a couple of days. Her and other homeless people heard passersby talk about needing to find a home for this dog and get him some food. This woman said, “Of all the months I have been here nobody has stopped once, to talk to me, or ask if I needed anything.” Only when I approach someone do they speak, to me as they are quickly walking away.
It made me think, have I been like those passerby’s too? I’m sure I have. Did I mean to ignore them? No, but I also didn’t want to engage in conversation either. It seemed that it was about fear. We know that some of these homeless people, probably live with addictions, mental instability, or worse. However, many of them, have just been down and out and lost their way, and that could be any of us. I am often struck by the excuses I can offer and many others too, to explain our actions, or lack of. These poor folks hide in the summers from the heat, and grab shelter wherever possible in the winters from severe cold fronts. When we have hard times, and are grateful for a jacket, a bed, a roof over our heads do we ever think of the homeless? That program made me feel very lucky for all those years I raised my kids on pennies, but we had shelter and food. Having wealth and riches is in the eye of the beholder. It was nice to see that there were a few vendors who offer free coffee, and a couple bananas to these people. I am reminded so many times, in many ways to be grateful for what I have. I think we need to stop every now and then and look at our lives, for what we DO have, and not what we DON’T.
Article by Laurie Cesario-Overton
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