I hope that this gives you reason to pause the next time another Human being ask for your help. I hope that it causes you to see that you can be catalysis for change in another person's life. You never know the when or where, just know that you, yes you can be the difference and change to someone. It may not be this dramatic or widely known. The only thing that matters is that you helped someone, no matter how big or small the gesture, you stepped up and DID SOMETHING. We all get caught up in our own lives, I can tell you this with some certainty, if your reading this, there is someone else on this planet that has a much more difficult existence then you. Never ever underestimate your power to impact another Humans life. The only thing that is required is that you make the choice to do so. Thank you.
Another story here, Homeless man drives across country, just got this so I wanted to add it. Thanks.
Have you done something to impact someones life?
What were the results?
Please share your stories with us, it matters.
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7 comments:
You are so right, We get caught up in our own lives that we never think we could be in that same predicament one day, and I'm sure we would want help.I am Chef and one day after seeing someone eating out of the dumpster at work,I talked to my boss about donating food or giving a free meal to the homeless. Now, we not only donate food but we cook once a month at a homeless local shelter. We should help someone anyway we can.
Abisola,
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences. I applaud you and your restaurant for stepping up to the platform you've been given and helping others. I'm sure those that you help are much appreciative that they don't have to dig the food out of a dumpster. You may not see the immediate impact of your actions, they are significant and worthy. It is heroes like you that make a difference to others everyday. Thank you for impacting lives and the inspiration that it brings.
WOW... I would like to share my thoughts on this on a personal level. I lost three beautiful children to Cystic Fibrosis. My daughter Angela age 3 and my two sons, Chris and Kurtis, age 21 and 15. The boys passed away in the same year. It has been difficult to maintain a positive perspective as dealing with grief is a life long journey. I want to share with you the choices I have made to enable me to get up everyday and face life in a positive and fulfilling manner. When I wake I make the following affirmation... "Today I will perform an act of kindness to someone, and I will do this in the spirit of my children." In doing this I achieve two things, first, someone is the recipient of an act of kindness and second, my children continue to have a positive impact on making our world a better place and their spirits live on. I want everyone to know that once we experience our potential for goodness, it soon becomes habit. I am truly blessed in that I have the power to choose how I react to what life has dealt me. My choice will always be to recognize when someone can use a helping hand. Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts.
Dan
What a wonderful reminder to look at everyone we meet with an eye toward discovering the gifts and talents with which they have been blessed. Giving and helping will never go out of style and will always deliver so much more to the one doing the giving and helping. Thank You!
Dan,
I want to thank you for your courage and I really appreciate you stepping up and sharing your story with us. I cannot even begin to imagine the grief that you bear. It is truly inspirational on how you have taken such tragedy and are using it for good. You are a great example and hero to all of us for showing us how we can give, no matter what our circumstances may be. Thank you again for sharing your story and how you are impacting others. I really do appreciate you.
I spent half my life in the NY metropolitan area. Im sorry to say that in that element I became desensitized to homeless people. Many of the homeless in that area really dont want anything to do with society as we know it. Many others are dependent on chemical substances and alcohol. The real shame is many of what appears to be a homeless person is a scam artist and in many cases making a pretty damn good living. To tell a quick story, I used to be a truck driver and one day in the Baltimore MD area I had a large load to deliver by myself. I was approached by a homeless man that offered to help. I excepted his help and an hour later we were done. I gave him $20 under the condition that he go into the corner restaurant and BUY SOMETHING TO EAT!! Knowing that the money would easily buy a meal and leave some left over I thought it a fair demand. As I climbed into the cab of my 18 wheeler I watched enter the front door and slip out the back while looking over his shoulder to see if I was watching. This was over a decade ago and I still wonder if I did the right thing because Im sure I supported his drug habit. He earned the money with his labor but I somehow still feel that I fueled his disease. I know...buzzkill right! Sorry Im still trying to come terms with that one.
Jscar,
Thank you for your time and observations. I cannot say that I haven't had the same thoughts upon hearing someone's request for help. As you mentioned, there are those that use their "Homeless" status to scam people. I wish, I had a proven way to know who was who, in the zoo, so to speak. I cannot possibly know who is going to use the money I give them for food, necessities or to fuel their substance abuse. I view it as God knows my intentions. I will not judge another man. I don't profess to have the right answer, I am merely communicating how I deal with the situation. I believe that you did do the right thing by that gentleman who helped you. You did not make him have a substance abuse problem, if he had one. That is a choice he has made. I truly believe that giving from the heart is the right answer. Yes, you will be taken advantage of, I can see how that would be upsetting. Once last thought, I would be more upset to learn that I had the opportunity to help someone and didn't. Later, to find out that they were legitimate. It all comes down to each encounter and how you feel about it. Thank you for comments and posting them, it is appreciated.
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