Just sad, sad, sad all the way around. Failure that occurs on so many levels. I understand the desire to check out as sometimes it feels like no matter how hard you try — the cards are stacked against you. And then again, in the case of chronic drug use and homelessness, there doesn’t seem to simple solution. As some people choose the streets for a myriad of reasons including feeling safer on the street. You can’t force people to get help. Unless you’re Gabor Mate or Mother Teresa — your efforts may be met with resistance. Of course, that doesn’t entirely apply to the case you described. He found a place to sleep. Someone just needed to step up and offer him an opportunity to experience dignity. He needed a room. In reality, it probably would not have been that much of a burden for the company who probably makes exorbitant profits.
Somebody gave up on most street people a long time ago in their histories though. I don’t think that gets acknowledged enough. Everyone comes from somewhere. I’m often reminded of the story of Mary and Joseph seeking shelter. They kept being turned away until they were offered the manger. I remember getting so angry about this as a little girl. Why couldn’t someone offer them room? They were soon to give birth to the child of God! It was simply beyond a little girl’s ability to comprehend.
And as we mature, as we become adults, some of that sense of shared humanity and idealism can wane as you start rationalizing why things can’t be just. It’s complicated, we tell children.
Everyone has some familial connections or a hometown. It’s bit surprising that people choose to check out or stay in a fetanyl induced state. The harsh realities whether it be their past traumas, experiences of victimization, betrayal annd hardship are just sometimes are too much to bear, too much to hold. It’s easy to spread the gospel of Love and Light — and it’s another thing to live it. I’ve worked with people who have been suicidal. Most people want to believe that Life is worth living — that there’s some silver lining or some relief and redemption in store. And more than anything else, they want to know that there are people that love them and be present to their pain in a way that is both compassionate and respectful.
Well said, as always, Anna. Thanks so much. I think the best way to spread light is to be the light, something that’s always present within us, and that we can recognize and cultivate with compassionate intent.
Just sad, sad, sad all the way around. Failure that occurs on so many levels. I understand the desire to check out as sometimes it feels like no matter how hard you try — the cards are stacked against you. And then again, in the case of chronic drug use and homelessness, there doesn’t seem to simple solution. As some people choose the streets for a myriad of reasons including feeling safer on the street. You can’t force people to get help. Unless you’re Gabor Mate or Mother Teresa — your efforts may be met with resistance. Of course, that doesn’t entirely apply to the case you described. He found a place to sleep. Someone just needed to step up and offer him an opportunity to experience dignity. He needed a room. In reality, it probably would not have been that much of a burden for the company who probably makes exorbitant profits.
Somebody gave up on most street people a long time ago in their histories though. I don’t think that gets acknowledged enough. Everyone comes from somewhere. I’m often reminded of the story of Mary and Joseph seeking shelter. They kept being turned away until they were offered the manger. I remember getting so angry about this as a little girl. Why couldn’t someone offer them room? They were soon to give birth to the child of God! It was simply beyond a little girl’s ability to comprehend.
And as we mature, as we become adults, some of that sense of shared humanity and idealism can wane as you start rationalizing why things can’t be just. It’s complicated, we tell children.
Everyone has some familial connections or a hometown. It’s bit surprising that people choose to check out or stay in a fetanyl induced state. The harsh realities whether it be their past traumas, experiences of victimization, betrayal annd hardship are just sometimes are too much to bear, too much to hold. It’s easy to spread the gospel of Love and Light — and it’s another thing to live it. I’ve worked with people who have been suicidal. Most people want to believe that Life is worth living — that there’s some silver lining or some relief and redemption in store. And more than anything else, they want to know that there are people that love them and be present to their pain in a way that is both compassionate and respectful.
Well said, as always, Anna. Thanks so much. I think the best way to spread light is to be the light, something that’s always present within us, and that we can recognize and cultivate with compassionate intent.