Homelessness isn't just physical.
There's a great thread by Hunter up right now talking about shoplifting. In the comments, a few wonderful people told about their experiences with poverty, and how they have helped others. And it made me think.
This morning I was on my way to work when I stopped to get a cup of coffee (doing 2 eight hour shifts after 4 and a half hours of sleep, two days in a row, reallyyyyy makes you need some). As I turned my bike around, a homeless guy came up and asked if I could get him some food.
Well, I didn't have a lot of time. So I told him to come over to the shop. He picked out something, and I told him to grab another. He asked for a cup of coffee, and he got one. And he was appreciative, and I'm glad I did it.
But that's not the point of this. While we were waiting, we chatted a bit about ISIS, the weather, and a couple other things. After we got the coffee, I walked a little ways, and we talked for a few more minutes before I had to leave. He said thanks for the food, but even more, thanks for the conversation. It'd been weeks since someone did more than just buy him food.
Homelessness is so, so much more than just beng without a home and living in poverty. Too often, it is a loss of both self-respect and being respected. When you're treated like nothing, you become nothing.
When we donate to food pantries, we have to remember why and who we're doing it for. When we give someone money, we should take the time to talk a little with the person on the side of the street. Recognize their humanity. Because money helps, but it doesn't touch the worst parts.
On of the most rewarding things I do is wandering around at night. People are willing to open up. I've learned more sharing a bit of water, cheese, and crackers than I have after $40+ grand in tuition payments. You will never regret taking the time to show a little love for someone.
Thanks to all of you who do.
= new reply since forum marked as read
Thanks for posting!!!
"Give a little bit
Give a little bit of your love to me
Give a little bit
Ill give a little bit of my love to you
There's so much that we need to share
So send a smile and show that you care
I'll give a little bit
I'll give a little bit of my life for you
So give a little bit
Give a little bit of your time to me
See the man with the lonely eyes
Take his hand, you'll be so surprised ..."
I meant to come back to this thread and post this song and never got to it
Today we encountered a man on the streets walking between four lanes of traffic at a light looking for money. It was not long before I saw he had both legs amputated and above the knees and fortunately ??? had prosthetics. I thought he was most likely a vet and looked for my wallet ... my son sitting in the back seat read his sign 'homeless vet ...'
This is not the treatment our vets deserve. My father, who was a marine in WW II, would be so enraged seeing how we treat people who have given so much. Later on in life he realized that war was more of a racket and offered to help my male cousins avoid the Vietnam war if they wanted to, he was very patriotic and compassionate, but not stupid.
Give a little bit
