I passed him this morning – he stands, head down, waiting patiently, every day, outside the Christian Bookshop. His cup is clutched tightly in both dirty hands, its contents’ importance plain to see for any who actually look. Most people don’t, most turn away, suddenly intensely interested in what their colleague is saying as they pass, or increase speed so that they can rush past him.
There are many reasons people don’t look at him. His eyes are sunken and desperately sad. His clothes are filthy, as is his skin. His hair is long and matted, tied back in a ponytail. He looks like he would smell bad, not that most people get that close to him. Even those few who give a coin into the polystyrene alms-cup don’t touch those hands, holding their breath, perhaps scared they may catch whatever illness it is which has made him poor and destitute.
He mutters to himself as we pass; perhaps that is why some avoid him? They assume some form of dementia or other mental illness, but if they listened closely, they would hear that the mutter is actually “Spare some change, please?”, a supplication from a broken man to every well-dressed, comfortable person who passes him by.
Others though, have a very different reason for not looking. Fear – a deep-seated fear of being in the presence of failure, of somehow becoming involved and taking some responsibility for this lost soul. People with morals, who would tell you they try to teach their children to be good people, yet when they see this poor, lost soul standing there, they speed past, or cross the road through moving traffic to avoid him. God forbid that they "get involved".
Good Christian people, having bought their Holy books in the bookshop, cut obliquely across the pavement to avoid him, settling their penny change back into their purse or wallet as they pass by on the other side.
“Well,” they say, “there are plenty of shelters for these people, why doesn’t he just get himself cleaned up and get himself a job? Why should I give my money to someone who won’t work?”. That’s hardly the sentiment I found in the Bible, when I use to read it. Before I came to worship at the Chapel of the Cynic.
I don’t know the answer as to why he doesn’t have a job, and it’s none of my business anyway. And I won’t make the assumption that this man “won’t work” – all I can see is that he DOESN’T work. I don’t know, and would therefore not judge, his circumstances.
Perhaps he struggles to keep in touch with reality, perhaps he has his own personal demons that gnaw at his mind, perhaps he drinks (don’t we all?) to excess. I don’t know and won’t assume.
I wonder if he knows that the last person who occupied that site (surely a prime one, being surrounded by all those Christians going in and out of the bookstore?) died quietly of pneumonia last winter in a homeless shelter? I wonder if those who avoid him know that even in the height of summer, if they touched his grubby hands they would find them stone cold, that they never heat up? Or that his feet are the same? His predecessor lasted about 4 years – will this man outlast him? I doubt it. The other guy looked healthier.
So next time you go to cross over or rush past, spare a moment and a coin for the man who has reached rock bottom and begun to drill. He’s still there, or at least he was this morning.
Author notes
This guy crosses my path every morning, reminding me how lucky I am.
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 7 of 7
-
This is so very true. A bunch of my friends always say not to give homeless people money because their just going to buy ciggarettes, alcohal, or drugs. Last time someone said that i looked at them and said "isnt that what your going to buy", they didnt respond. I like when people are honest the last guy who asked me for money said "im hungry and if you could spare some change i would be very thankful" after i asked him if that was the truth he confessed he was going to buy ciggarettes [which is what i was going to buy] i gave him 10 dollars and said to buy some food and a pack. He thanked me and said god bless.
I dont like when people just say they can get a job or its their fault when they dont know the truth. Your story is very true and holds such a great impact on how people judge others. Your very insperational in they way you right. Ill be looking forward for more or your writings soon.
-
Wow. It's sad that even Christians won't do something for him even though it would be that they would then be helping God. I feel for the homeless, as my mother was one by choice a few times. I would go buy the guy a burger or something. This story is one that tears my heart out. And the sad part is, it's true..
x Julez -
-
I think there is a huge gap between being Christian and being what those people coming out of that shop do - buy all the bibles and religious cards, study guides and whatever you like, but they need to spend more time helping those less well off than themselves!
-
-
I must say this piece really touched my heart. I guess anyone reading this can relate to it. We pass them everyday, but we dont often spare a thought for them. We sometimes hand our spare change to them but we dont relly care for them. Very well written.
-
Just another day in paradise
At least it is for us fortunate souls. I always felt I was helping the less fortunate than me when I would hand out my spare change, until I saw this show about panhandlers. They showed how nicely they lived when they got off their "jobs". I know everyone is not like that, but I can't help thinking is this one for real or not.
-
This read very well and there are many homeless living on the streets, sad fact b ut true. I think we have all been at one point in our lives thought why do this, you know, but this writing will make others understand a bit more.
Where I live there a one or two, one lady lives in shop windows with her dog, I don't understand her reasons but would love to give her money if I had some to spare. I have seen many people give her food for the dog, cups of tea and food for her.
Thanks for sharing this with us all on SW.
Sarah
Adding your comment:
1 - 7 of 7
