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Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Another Comment Worthy Of A Post

I cannot say I am surprised by the results of this "test". There are good and bad people all around, the homeless are not an exception to that. Many people living on the streets were at one time, maybe even recently, people with a home, a job, a car, and families. Some fall behind on bills out of overspending, some are laid off, some are returning vets with severe mental and emotional problems.

Personally I was homeless for 6 months. I did become an alcoholic to deal with the pain of what my life had become. I slept at train stations or in outdoor playhouses in backyards. I never wanted that life but if it weren't for one person in particular showing me that he cared I may still be living that life or dead.

If people would look into the eyes of the homeless person on the street they would see the pain that most are experiencing. Think about not being able to jump in a hot shower, not being able to sit down with family or friends because you are too shamed of what you have become. Without someone stepping up to offer help and encouragement many feel there is no hope to escape the reality that has become their life.

There are people on the streets that could care less about circumstance, but the vast majority do care and are good people stuck in bad situations. It is a life changing event that does change a person mentally, emotionally, and physically. Once you have sunk to that low you have a lot more confidence in who you can be because you know what you can become.

My experiences are why I am who I am and in a really odd way I am thankful for what I had to go through because it gives me so much strength to help others before they fall to that low.

2 comments:

Kerrie said...

God Bless you.

Anonymous said...

That was a very moving post.Too many of us are so wrapped up in our own lives that we tend to overlook and even de humanize those who are less fortunate.

This was a very humbling reminder to look for the good in every human being and to offer a helping hand when you can.You never know what impact a simple act of kindness can have on another person.