Today, I must ask: when did someone dare you to do something?

 

We all know that growing up, we would get double dares to do specific things.

 

This month, for probably the tenth time, I caught a glimpse of a man who appeared to be homeless, walking with his two-liter soda bottle.

 

Most of the time, it’s positioned right behind his back hip as he walks the streets of Huntsville and Madison, Alabama.

 

I’m aware that the definition of empathy is “generally described as the ability to perceive another person’s perspective, to understand, feel, and possibly share and respond to their experience.”

 

Empathy – Wikipedia

 

EMPATHY Definition & Meaning – Merriam-Webster

 

I’m also aware that it’s about stepping imaginatively into another person’s shoes.

 

Therefore, this week, I dare you to walk a mile.

 

How we unlock empathy is up to us. As I continue to receive insights, I see this gentleman walking the streets at a fast pace.

 

He walks as if he’s going to be late for an appointment to give you an idea of how fast he walks.

 

Now imagine that this person is at least 50 years old.

 

Although there are various aspects to empathy in walking in someone else’s shoes, each time I see him, it helps me identify others’ needs.

 

One of these days, when I’m not heading out of town or on a time constraint, he’s on my bucket list to stop and ask him how long he’s been walking the streets.

 

I already know that the sugar in the soda gives him extra energy, but why does he walk the entire city each day?

 

On another note, my mind races back to all those who are disabled and unable to walk or need assistance with walking.

 

As I continue to see numerous people enter the church on walkers and canes, I must count my blessings each day.

 

I have had specific times in life when I needed a cane or a walker as I was recovering from my total hip replacement.

 

I believe that we are all walking in different directions and at different lengths all the time.

 

This week, for those celebrating Lent, we are halfway through our journey.

 

My penance this week is the reminder to “Let Go and Let God.”

 

Today, I dare you to “Let Go and Let God” help you on your journey and see the opportunities at each step you take.

 

“You’d have to walk a thousand miles in my shoes just to see what it’s like to be me.”~ Eminem

 

“You never really know a man until you understand things from his point of view, until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.” ~ Harper Lee

 

“Before you abuse, criticize, and accuse, walk a mile in my shoes.” ~ Elvis Presley