This week I had the opportunity to travel to Augusta, Georgia, for a retirement ceremony.
As I prepared to register at the hotel, I noticed several homeless people within the 72 hours of being in the city.
I lived there for 18 years and had not been back in over four years. Upon my arrival, there was a different perspective on the homeless population in Augusta, Georgia. Looking at various mental pictures of homeless people, I realized what it means to be blessed.
Not only that, I witnessed a somewhat mentally unstable man walking the streets.
I’m not naïve to think that there is not a drug abuse problem going on out there for some of those homeless people.
However, I’m also aware that not all homeless people need the same level of assistance. Some, the drug-addicted, for example, need much more; others need less and could use assistance by focusing on job placement to overcome stigmas attached to having a criminal record.
Where I live, I see many homeless people pushing shopping carts as streetwalkers daily, depending on my travels to certain parts of the city.
When I got up this morning, I thought about the bed I slept in last night. I also thought about using the porcelain facilities in my home.
I thought about all the homeless people I witnessed over the weekend who can’t get a good night sleep or even shower.
If you are reading this, you’re blessed because I witnessed those in my travels without their shoes or a shirt. It takes a particular type of empathy as you look around your city.
I wondered about their dignity being exposed as human beings as they were visible to those that passed by.
I witnessed homeless people walking on street corners, alongside a major highway, and in the parking lots of well-established businesses. I have seen how a person can be so disheveled that it is obvious to the eye that they were having a rough time in life of not caring for themselves.
Not only that, I also see that being homeless is for all types; male and female, young and old, black, brown, or white.
Today is about counting blessings and showing empathy when seeing homeless people.
As summer is here, I’m sure the street corners will also pick up with those holding signs.
I have often told myself that not everyone with a sign is genuinely in need, as there are hustlers.
Nevertheless, it’s a matter of not judging and letting your heart decide what you want to do.
We all know that you will reap what you sow; therefore, sow good seeds in your journey.
As I close, I’d ask you to think about how blessed you are this morning and how well you can care for yourself.
We use the analogy of a bad hair day when it’s a difficult time grooming our hair in the morning. Think about those who slept or are sleeping, under a bridge, all night as an example.
I know this because as I returned from an evening function, I saw where some of these people were sleeping.
It was 10:PM, and the temperature as I glanced at my car told me it was 81 Degrees outside.
Nonetheless, I witnessed several people preparing for bed under the bridge. Each of these people is a human being surviving the elements of life.
I wonder how they temper the cold and heat.
Each of these people I’m sure has a specific strength that resides within them. I’m sure a particular mentality exists in each of these people.
Because I’ve spent time working for the Government to understand suicide prevention, I know that not all homeless people are without those thoughts.
Some homeless people are seen as invisible people others are seen as being poor.
Growing up around the “projects,” I know what being poor is like.
I’ve never been homeless; however, I learned to value the things that I had in my possession.
My parents made sure we kept a positive mindset and sometimes joked about being poor as if we needed a reminder.
There are millions or thousands of homeless people in the United States.
Homeless population – USAFacts
Homelessness in the United States – Wikipedia
Count your blessings if you could sleep with a roof over your head last night.
Therefore, the next time you see someone sleeping under a bridge, it’s not for us to ask why. Maybe we can ask ourselves how we can fix this situation.
“Open your mind to the world and the many different ways that can be found in it, before making hasty judgments of others. After all, the very same thing that you judge from where you are— may very well be something totally different in meaning on the other side of the world. The problem with making hasty judgments is that it will emphasize your ignorance at the end of the day.” ― C. JoyBell C.
We often forget how blessed we are and all the privileges we have. Never take for granted that one poor choice in life can change all the things we cherish!! Thanks for reminding me to count my blessings!!!
Scott,
Wow, you said that so well! I particularly want to highlight “one poor choice in life can change all the things we cherish!!” I know someone that lost it all!
McKinley
It is very easy to take for granted the simple luxuries we have in life like a roof over head, food on the table, and a bed to sleep in each night. As I read your article, the thought that stood out in my mind is how we are all blessed to be a blessing. We all have been gifted a certain talent or talents that can be used to bless someone else—financially, spiritually, mentally, etc. Just imagine what the world would be like if every individual believed and put into daily practice that principle.
Anthony,
Powerful words, especially if we imagine “what the world would be like if every individual believed and put into daily practice that principle.” I continue to dream big every day.
McKinley
Growing up in New York City you see the richest people in the world as well as those that are forced to sleep under the stars , in the elements. My parents instilled in me that by the Grace of God that was not our situation. It didn’t change the fact that homeless or not we are all God’s children. We have the ability as a country to send billions elsewhere, it’s time that we as a Nation sweep around our own front door first.
Nicole,
A great response that our government should take heed of for the people. I have also seen the people in New York City as a child and then as an adult. I continue to count my blessing for what my parents instilled in me as well. Grace and Mercy. I believe you, and I know that until it becomes a priority, those billions of dollars will continue to go elsewhere. We must do a better job sweeping around our front door!
McKinley
I came up from a strong family. I always had a inner drive to work and educate myself. The military provided the skills and tools to strengthen my inner drive to succeed. I have seen many homeless people in Colorado and the winter is brutal. We need more programs to teach and educate the homeless to give them opportunities. I am blessed, but each individual must take steps to help them recover from their situation.
Don,
First my apologies for my late response. Thank you for telling your stories and your commitment to serve this nation. I’ve been to Colorado and all your points are valid. As you are aware education is the key.
McKinley