While seated at a Starbucks, a homeless man came in and sat nearby.
His scent was unpleasant and people looked at him and rolled their eyes. He was simply doing what we were all doing, drinking coffee and taking advantage of free WiFi.
He brought his dog, Legacy, who was well behaved. He proceeded to tell me he walked 60 miles from Seattle to Tumwater over a few days period. He spoke highly of Legacy who, in stride, journeyed along with his master every step of the way without complaint. As soon as Legacy was told to lay down, he fell asleep.
It was sad to see people distance themselves from this homeless veteran. Kids who inquired about the dog were quickly shielded by their parents and hurried away.
This Veteran explained most people have no concept of being Christ like because they simply place Christ on the shelf as soon as they leave church.
He told me while in Bellevue, WA, 5 well known Seattle Seahawks’ players walked past him. One of the Seahawks made a rude comment about him being homeless and tried to offer him a $20 bill. The money was declined and that player who claimed to be a Christian was offended. The homeless man told the wealthy Seahawks player that he would not accept money from someone who would belittle him in front of others claiming to be a Christian. Needless to say that player was embarrassed because his friends had witnessed his rude prideful behavior.
Later in the evening, I overheard him telling his dog that they would soon find new shoes to continue their journey. The shoes he was wearing were in poor shape.
As I was leaving, I offered him a meal which he gladly accepted. I also knew I had a new pair of boots in my storage unit and I asked him if they fit, would accept them. He said yes.
After a short drive, I brought him a new pair of boots. He had the biggest smile and told Legacy that their journey would soon continue.
He apologized as he took off his socks because they were dirty and falling apart. I asked him if he had any socks and he said what he was wearing was his only pair. Jokingly, he asked if I (had any) socks with me. I had just done laundry and had some pairs of new clean white socks in my car. I gave him the socks and he switched out his old shoes for the new boots I gave him. We shook hands and wished each other well.
While walking away, I overheard a final conversation between a man and his dog.
He simply patted Legacy on the head and said, “I told you God was going to take care of us”.
Reblogged this on It Is What It Is and commented:
He is a so much better human being than those who shun him ….
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Many people claim to be religious etc. but many often forget to act kind, no matter of their religious view, which is very sad. This story shows it all. Thanks for sharing 😀
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I believe that when we act with integrity we receive more than we give. This was a lovely story.
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Reblogged this on SweetWillowman.
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Great story. All of us are only a sickness and a paycheck or two away from being homeless.
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Reblogged this on Ramblings of the Claury.
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This made my day. Thank you!
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Reblogged this on The Militant Negro™.
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Thanks for posting this.
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Reblogged this on spiritandanimal.wordpress.com.
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Wonderful story. Easter blessings to you.
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That player who offered $20 was far from gracious. Always be a gracious giver because, by the grace of God, there go I. This vet had good sense and some pride. Good for him!!
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Beautiful!
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What if this man had been the Christian’s Jesus?
A Mormon bishop dressed himself up to resemble a homeless man and was shunned by his own congregation. Now that speaks volumes and of course, when they found out that it was their beloved bishop and not just some homeless bum, they became all contrite. But did they really change?
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865591437/Mormon-bishop-disguises-himself-as-homeless-man-to-teach-congregation-about-compassion.html?pg=all
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Beautiful story. So many “false” Christians in the world. Let’s be good people first, then maybe we can call ourselves Christians.
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Reblogged this on The Word on the Street Corner and commented:
Great Blog; a must read!
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Thanks for sharing. I love the reference about placing Christ on a shelf. Well done, BTG
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Reblogged this on Dharma and Belligerence: Mad Rants from a Free-Range Buddhist Hooligan and commented:
An absolutely beautiful story at a time when I was letting dark shadows consume me. Thank you to Kindness Blog for sharing this!
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Reblogged this on Story-Sharing for a Better World and commented:
I love this story, and this blog!
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this is lovely, thanks for posting and rebloging, so good!
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Reblogged this on demetrius13 and commented:
Sweet! Remember you are your brother’s (and sister’s) keeper.
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Reblogged this on Blazing Light, Love's Song.
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Reblogged this on Kindness Blog.
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Reblogged this on education pathways and commented:
Being the hands and feet of Jesus…
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At an orientation session for New Hires, a representative of the city advised the attendees to ignore the numerous homeless people who loitered around the entrance of the building. He explained that the city offered 3 free meals every day within walking distance, and other services.
I carry a box of nutrition bars so that when I see someone on a street corner with a sign asking for help, I can hand out a couple bars and well wishing. I value the social interaction. I want the person to know that someone sees and cares about them, and the world has friendly places. I appreciate what the city is doing, and I like giving directly to a person rather than relying on someone else to do the entire job.
I have interacted with people at soup kitchens. I have not yet invited a stranger to join me for a meal. Thank you for the inspiration and reminder.
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