Helping out with a Lion’s club fundraiser carries special rewards. After thirty plus hours in the mall, I now have a brand new perspective on America. The range and diversity of people continues to amaze me. Having a chance to talk to a number of them brings home several truth statements.
No matter how we look, sound, or act, our view of life comes from a shared perspective.
Given the wide range of experiences, I continue to be amazed at how common our language is at the core.
People like interacting with other people, especially when it is a positive subject.
Giving good news is always a good thing, even when people do not respond to it as you would expect, hope, or like.
Never assume that you have any idea how people will respond to a good idea, they always surprise you!
Taking time to give back what others have given you brings a special sense of grace.
Giving is a function of the heart, not the pocketbook.
I take pictures with me. I see the heavy-set black man driving a black Buick on a black night having been rescued from darkness asking what church we go to while he talked about attending Sunday services.
I remember the girl who lost interest in a Mercedes replica because the car has a Ford engine and “she is a Mopar kind of girl”.
I struggle with the young couple who knew their minister would hit them up for more offerings if it appeared they had money because of driving the a new car. Her words resonated, “we may have a nice ride but we were broke before and we are still broke!”
I walk with hundreds expressions of “thank-you” echoing as they gave two dollars to a great charity.
People talk about Christians and those on the outside. I have spoken to hundreds and I cannot see the difference in those terms. I find people seeking God, sharing it with others, and living the journey.
“Outsiders and insiders, rejoice together!” (Romans 15.10) That is what we do.
