Judging...talent
A week ago Tuesday night on America’s Got Talent, I watched several (previously) homeless people harmonize as a group. Many were veterans of wartime. Others had known bad luck. One man had been homeless for over twenty years before he found the right place, here on earth, that helped him help himself. That night they sang with heart and talent bringing tears to those in the audience.
One of the group said, they had been people that we (the audience) wouldn’t want to be around.
Me?
Homeless people scare me sometimes- a little- mostly because I don't want to know the life they live or what they go through every day. But consider this, a homeless person:
- Was someone’s baby,
- May have defended your country for you,
- Prays to God,
- Has a dream,
- Laughs,
- Gets frightened,
- Is lonely,
- Cries,
- Feels hated,
- Gets hungry,
- wants to be loved.
Sometimes, when I see someone that doesn't fit MY bill, and I shy away from them or don't want to be bothered with them, I hear a whisper, "Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering." (Hebrews 13: 1-3 NIV)
Judging isn't really my job -unless it's for talent.
Photo source: scottveltkamp.com at Google Images
Comments
What if an ugly, smelly, unkempt old homeless man had a hug so powerful it could cure cancer? Cause a prostitute to stop hooking and seek true love? Cast the demons of addiction out of a junkie? Make a radical terrorist Muslim want to befriend and love a Christian and visa versa? But rare is the beneficiary of his diving embrace ... no one will go near him out of fear.
Mason
Thoughts in Progress
Marvin, I love it. I want to read it.
Terri, Because "normal" (if there is such a thing) people are ending up homeless these days, I am hoping we look at this problem differently as something we all need to address with kindness and not fear.
Mason, Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate it.
At any point in our lives we could be in situations where we could use a helping had, a kind word, a meal, a dollar, and especially a prayer.
Angela
Great thoughts and attitude! We are all human beings; we should not forget that and yes, only God is supposed to judge.
This post is a great reminder too!
Love and hugs!
B xx
Good thoughts for us all to think about .. a smile will help - rather than ignoring them.
Thanks - Hilary
- Corra
the victorian heroine
There followed the most remarkable story documented on TV,and the birth of "The Choir of Hard Knocks"
Anyone who followed the series, bought the CD or were lucky enough to get seats at the concerts they performed in Melbourne at the Town Hall, and in Sydney at the amazing Opera House, were blown away by the purity of the voices....many moved to tears (as I was) as these people were transformed by this venture,regaining their self respect.
Jonathan Welch was the person who recognised this fact and helped many of them back to a producive life. Self respect was what they had lost, and it's a reminder to us all that with self respect you can conquer many things!