Ever discover you were wrong?
Here in Nashville, TN there is a newspaper, "The Contributor", it is a homeless paper. I find it refreshing that an outlet has been created to allow those who are homeless to find employment. Through the sales of the homeless paper, these individuals need to balance their money so they can buy more papers. With their efforts to stand on street corners in the various weather, many have made their lives better. Often these individuals are able to finally afford an apartment, buy groceries, some purchase bikes so they can get to work. It is not uncommon to see them getting cleaned up, wearing nicer clothes, getting hair cuts. This newspaper has assisted people who have fallen on hard times to get on their feet. It breaks my heart to hear people say they refuse to buy one of these papers. Yet, they will go to McDonalds and add to the billions served and paid into the corporate pockets of their executives. I try to buy these papers whenever I am able as I like to support local, local people who are trying to do good with their lives.
What is quite unfortunate is the judgment which goes towards these good people. People make a split second judgment towards someone they do not know. They also do not take the time to get to know them. We live this fast paced life and it is more beneficial to our personal satisfaction to place a quick judgment. Than to take ten minutes to actually ask questions and to get to know someone.
I would like to challenge you to take the time to free yourself of judgment. It takes practice. It does not always come easy. However, what you receive when you release yourself of the duty of judgment is a great reward. You have this weight which is lifted from you. There is a peace which will fall upon you.
It is not our place in this world to judge others. Do not feel obliged to fill the responsibility of judging others when it is not your position in life. Free yourself and reap the great reward of peace and joy. Slow down for a few minutes in your life and get to know that person or people you have judged. What you may find out is you had it wrong all along. You may also find yourself with a better understanding of others, maybe even gain a new friend.
This photo is of my friend, DC. He sell "The Contributor" in Nashville and can often be found near the Green Hills area. He has this amazing spirit and no matter what, when he is able to be out selling his papers, you can feel his joy all around you. I felt moved to meet this individual who makes me smile whenever I see him. I stopped, brought him breakfast and took the time to get to know him. What I discovered was a very spiritual person with a gentle soul and a broken heart.
DC was not always homeless, he had a good life, a wife and a career as a truck driver. A wreck caused by a drunk driver caused him to lose his CDL and the loss of his job with the company who would not stand behind him. Even though the accident was ruled in his favor and stated it was not his fault, he no longer had a job. His wife was sick with cancer when this occurred and all his money went into her medical bills.
Unfortunately, his wife lost her battle with cancer and he found himself in a place he never imagined. The Contributor is allowing him to pay rent and save up so he can get his license back. DC misses being on the road and wants to get back behind the wheel.
I often wonder with great sadness how many people pass him on the street and place judgment on him. This very kind, gentle and enthusiastic spirit of a human being. I give great thanks to God for the blessing of my friend DC. He has great energy and is working hard to get himself back on track to where he found the most joy, driving truck.
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