A Look of Humanity

I was talking with a friend at my favorite coffee shop about the plights of the homeless. In his spare time he volunteers with Hope Ministries, serving homeless men and women. I was initially drawn to his enthusiasm for what he was learning in the process. Not only regarding the truths about homeless individuals, but also about him. One story he shared was about a man who wasn't asking for money, sympathy, or wine. He just wanted people to look him in the eye occasionally. In its simplest form, he wanted to be seen as human.

It reminded me that we all desire to be seen as human on occasion. After all, our one connection to each other is our humanity. Before that man acquired the status of “homeless”, he may have been a husband or a manager. Ironically, he still may not have had people see him as human, only the role he played for others. I began to see a myriad of faces that people no longer see as human. How we look at the roles and status more than the humans behind them. Just like the woman who lost her humanity when she excelled at work and became someone’s boss. Just like the man who is seen only as a father or husband and no longer the person with a mission to empower the community.

The next time you see someone with distinguishable status, look them in the eyes and give them the gift of humanity. The rich man in a suit, the attractive woman, the person giving you coffee are all human first. Take a moment to just look in their eyes.

Who knows, you might just feel a little more human yourself.