While driving home from a great night-out with my husband in downtown Montreal, we encountered a man holding a sign with the words "Pigeon's don't taste like chicken". We both giggled at the sign and watched as he weaved in and out of the cars stopped for a red light. It was interesting as each car's passengers laughed at the sign - but few were quick to open their windows and give him money. I know the sign was created to make people take a second look, to get people to notice him above the other people - homeless, hungry, without creature comforts; but, somehow I felt guilty laughing.
I thought about all the people I've encountered personally who were in the same circumstances as this man and I felt a cringe of personal failure. What have I done to help? How much food do I waste everyday? Should I accept personal blame for failing to help? With all of these questions circling my mind, I thought about Kathy, a beautiful woman; one of the first people I met in Montreal. Every meal she makes at home she creates three to four smaller meals, freezes them, and brings them to the church freezer. Those who are in need in our ward know of her meals, and take from the freezer that which they need.
The contrast between humor and the homeless this man unknowingly presented, struck my heart and mind. It is clear to me that I need to be more like Kathy and less like those who took humor from the sign, yet did nothing to help.
What do you think about the contrast he presented?
Do you see it as I do?
How have you helped? And how has helping changed you and your family?
I thought about all the people I've encountered personally who were in the same circumstances as this man and I felt a cringe of personal failure. What have I done to help? How much food do I waste everyday? Should I accept personal blame for failing to help? With all of these questions circling my mind, I thought about Kathy, a beautiful woman; one of the first people I met in Montreal. Every meal she makes at home she creates three to four smaller meals, freezes them, and brings them to the church freezer. Those who are in need in our ward know of her meals, and take from the freezer that which they need.
The contrast between humor and the homeless this man unknowingly presented, struck my heart and mind. It is clear to me that I need to be more like Kathy and less like those who took humor from the sign, yet did nothing to help.
What do you think about the contrast he presented?
Do you see it as I do?
How have you helped? And how has helping changed you and your family?
1 comment:
My first instinct was to laugh, but after thinking about it more and reading your thoughts it hurts my heart. I feel overwhelmed when I see homeless people (something I rarely see around here) because any help given in the moment is so temporary. I know there's a bigger problem and I don't know how to fix it, so I don't want to see it.
We try to help with any food bank contributions, fast offerings, and stuff like that.
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