Homeless people!
Many people look down on them, so that’s why I wanted to write about it just to
give you all some real
food-for-thought. Hopefully after reading this passage, you’ll have a change of
heart if you’re one of those people who feel like ALL homeless people are lazy, just want a hand out, don’t want to
work, etc.
First of all, I
want to say that I thank God that I've never been homeless, and I pray that I
never will have to face something like that as long as I live.
Why am I writing about this
and why do I even care?
As I’m out and
about I see homeless people all of the time and instead of looking down on them
in disgust, I ask myself, “I wonder what happened to them? What is THEIR story?”
Do you realize
that not all homeless people are bad people? They are human! Some people that
are out there just had an unfortunate fall in their lives and for whatever
reason, they were never able to get back on track.
I’m about to
share some examples of what could have happened in their lives. I can’t
possibly name them all, but I just want to give you something to think about.
Story #1
That homeless
man that you turn your nose up to, did you know that he lost his wife and kids
in a car accident? That’s right! A drunk driver ran a stop sign and hit their
car from the right side and killed everybody except him.
His family meant
everything to him. Yes! He had the
nice home, the fancy cars, the booming career, but all of this meant nothing to
him anymore because he had nobody to share it with. He’d always been the strong
one in the family, but this was just too much for him to bear. He lost it!
Literally!
Story #2
That lady that
you just looked and shook your head at, did you know that she had a childhood
from hell? Yep! She was abused all of her life by the hands of her own father.
Her mother knew about it, but she acted as if she didn't see anything.
When this little
girl grew up and was old enough to leave the home, she was already damaged in
every way possible. So she took to the streets just to get by. Now that’s she’s
much older she just walks the streets talking to herself. She’s literally out
of her mind. For many years she used drugs just to try to numb the pain, but
instead, she got caught up in the street life. She honestly tried SO many times
to get it right, but her painful past always got the best of her. She just didn't have the strength, will, or courage to pull through her past.
Story #3
You know that
young adult that you see hanging out at the park down the street from your job.
As you walk by, you always think to yourself “Why is he always carrying around
that baseball and glove in his hands?” Well, did you know that he lost his
mother at the tender age of 14, and he and his father have greatly struggled to
let her go? This young man has endured a lot in his short life, but his father
did the very best that he could. Unfortunately, he lost his father 3 years
after his mother passed away from cancer.
This young man
was left on his own. He didn't have any close family that he could turn to. His passion has always been playing baseball, although he doesn't play anymore. Carrying
his baseball and glove brings him a little peace in his mind. It reminds him of
his beautiful parents and how they used to support him. They were his
biggest fans!
He’s homeless, but
he stays at some nearby shelter when there’s room available. Not only could he
have gone pro, but he was a straight A student that took all honors classes. But
all of his dreams were shattered when he lost his father. That was the last
straw for him. He’s a good kid, but he just doesn't have the drive anymore. He
just exists with no motivation or hope for himself.
Story #4
You know that
older gentleman that just asked you for something to eat? Although he hasn't shaven in God knows when and he smelled like he hasn't had a shower in days,
this man used to be somebody that everybody respected and loved!
You see, he used
to be a very successful banker, AND he was an accomplished artist. He not only
had a successful career, but he volunteered his time helping at-risk youth in
underprivileged neighborhoods. Everybody loved him because he had a big heart, and he truly cared for people.
But one day
while he was at work he received a devastating call informing him that his best
friend, whom was his grandmother, had just passed away. His grandmother taught
him valuable things about life. He was who he was because of her constant love
and support. When the love of his life passed away, he was never right since.
He started drinking heavily until it took control of his life and consumed him.
He lost everything!
Although he was
highly educated and extremely articulate, he couldn't keep it together. Who
would have ever thought that he’d be going down this road? No one! But life
happens, right?
I’m going to
bring my examples to a close, but I want you all to remember this: You don’t
know a person’s story! It’s not always what it looks like. Be thankful and
grateful for what you have and know that YOU
are truly blessed!
Homelessness in
America is VERY real for many people
from ALL walks of life. Try your best
to remember that the next time you have an ill thought about them, because they
count too! Sometimes things happen to us in life and it can really take a toll
on us if we’re not strong enough to handle it. Trust me, it can happen to any one of us.
- Stephanie Lahart (Author & Poet)
- Stephanie Lahart (Author & Poet)
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