The Bible talks about the fact that God wants us to do more
than just coexist or put up with each other. I find it rather fascinating that
Jesus bemoans his disciples’ unwillingness to love those that would have been
perceived as their enemies. So his point, that is so important to hear, is what
good is it to love and help those that are like you for even the ‘pagans’ do
this! It’s time to step up and purposely choose to not only be nice but also
actually do something good to that person that you view as being lesser than
you!
Today I met with a couple of younger guys who I hadn’t met
before that are desirous of learning more about doing nonprofit work in tough
neighborhoods with kids, teens and adults living on the edge. I arrive a little
early at a Starbucks and choose to sit outside. Just as I’m seated and start to
check e-mails a homeless gentleman approaches and wants a handout. I had gotten
a blueberry muffin so I decided to give it to him. I attempt to engage him in a
conversation only to discover that he isn’t all there but still needs some food
and something to drink. He has clearly
been living on the street and hasn’t bathed or changed clothes in months. Yet,
I don’t react to his appearance and he says a muffled thank you and sits a
table over as my new friends sit to discuss at risk work.
I know that it’s easy to say that everyone should value all
life whether that is of a homeless man, who might be a veteran that serviced in
the military or the senior who is no longer as capable to help him or herself
and would never ask for help. So how do we change the culture of our society?
Doesn’t it happen one step at a time where each of us take baby steps to do
something intentional today that makes tomorrow different and better? Over the
last year I have intentionally chosen to visit and befriend a group of grandmas
that are mostly widowers. My goal is to connect my kids and teens in our
program so they can see that seniors are worthy of their time and attention.
I can remember during one of my first painting projects, we
paint houses of low-income seniors for free; I had a contractor volunteer to
help. I know that he must have initially laughed at our setup. So instead of
screaming at me or making fun he made some great suggestions that I followed.
The end result was a better-run organization and the added benefit of my new
friend donating his left over paint that has amount to over $30K worth of
assistance. So it is amazing what can happen when you choose to step outside of
your comfort zone and take a risk!
My mom was the friend maker genius who impacted my life as I
grew up moving every few years because of my dad’s military career. I will
always remember the routine every time we would be transferred to a new Air
Force Base. She would knock on the doors of our neighbors and introduce us. I
made friends, regardless of whether I wanted and looking back my life was truly
enriched from her choice to reach back. She was always someone that helped the
younger moms whose husbands were gone regardless of whether their husbands were
officers or airmen.
So it’s time to purposely go out of your way to make a
different type of friend, volunteer doing something you love and pay it forward
by shocking someone that doesn’t expect you to care. I know I want to do more
than coexist in my life and want to genuinely be part of common cause
situations that draw a diverse group of people of all ages and ethnic
backgrounds together.
Find a common cause in your neighborhood where you can both
feed into another person’s life and also receive a blessing from a new friend!
Yes, it’s dangerous but ultimately the only way to live!
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