- HubPages»
- Politics and Social Issues
Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst For Righteousness
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO KAREN
She turns over, pulling the thin blanket tightly under her chin. Night is the best time, a time when the Joker finally arrives, and his sweet voice flows through her veins, taking her to places far removed from the pain and loneliness.
The sounds of the city are always present, as are the moans and groans of her four companions, all running from a life they found unacceptable. It is at night that they can huddle together for warmth, when Karen can forget about the uninvited touches of a drunken stepfather and his slick words of distorted love.
She is safe for the time being. She scratches the needle marks and awaits the moment of oblivion. Tomorrow will be another day, and when the sun rises and it is time to walk the streets looking for food, Karen will be a day older but a lifetime wiser and yes, more jaded. Innocence is gone, and in its place resides hopelessness and a longing for the early days when she danced in the orchard and felt the life-giving rays of sunshine.
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO WALT
Time no longer has meaning. What does it matter what time it is? It’s always time to be in the chair. It’s always time to wheel down to the park and ask for a spare dollar. Show the folks your shining medals, and salute them if they understand. Wars are paid for forever, or so it seems when you bartered one leg in exchange for freedom.
Freedom from what, that’s what Walt is thinking? Freedom from walking without crutches? Freedom from the indignity of being forgotten by a country that needed you two years ago? Freedom from the use of your bowels, replaced by a bag and a drainage tube? Salute that you motherfu*&%#*.
Got to keep talking to the tourists so the voices don’t have their way inside your head. Keep up the chatter, drown out the sounds of the incoming rounds, whistle the Star Spangled and thank God I’m free to pursue happiness. What a bunch of horseshit!
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO BARBARA
It’s five o’clock; time to take the kids down to the Food Kitchen for a warm meal, then back to the shelter for a shower and bed. Damn him to hell! What happened to the vows? What happened to the love? What kind of love knocks out the teeth of your wife? What kind of love drags her by the hair and tells her she is worthless? What kind of love?
Job interview tomorrow. Some cleaning company and minimum wage; not enough to get out of the shelter but enough to supplement the food stamps and maybe one day get us into our own trailer. Let’s see, take the 11 Bus to State Street, then transfer to the 74. That will take what, two hours to get there? Make sure there is enough time; no car, no money for a taxi, gotta make this work, the kids are depending on me and Kathi needs to see the doctor and Jimmy needs new pants and dammit to hell, what happened to the love?
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO KEITH
Long day flipping burgers. There is time to catch a couple hours sleep, then head off to the next job. Two part-time jobs, both minimum wage, don’t add up to nothing but a chance. There’s always a chance, right, you just have to keep moving forward. Forward motion, don’t stop long enough or the machine will run over you, the same damn machine I belonged to until the market crashed and the job went overseas along with the hopes and dreams. Wife ran out, took the kids, took the remaining cash, and here is reality now, one foot in front of the other and hope to God tomorrow brings some kind of change….change…that’s all that’s left in the pants pocket, change enough to call the kids tonight and tell them daddy loves them, and then go to sleep hearing the sounds of their crying saying “we love you, dad.”
State of the Union last night, sounds like things are getting better for someone. Got to re-train the workers and teach them how to be a part of the new system, a system of the future, but how do you do that when you don’t have a pot to piss in or a window to throw it out? How do you get ready for a future when the past is an earthquake and the present is a tsunami?
Important work done by this organization
Making a difference
- Human Trafficking: Susana Trimarco Makes A Difference
Slavery is alive and well in the world. It is the second leading criminal business and growing yearly.
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO YVONNE
No eye contact. That’s the key; never look the customer in the face because that makes him real, and if he’s real then this life is real. Sweat and the smell of booze and cigarettes, that’s the reality, a naked businessman grunting his love, telling me I’m beautiful but don’t look him in the face. He’ll be gone soon, but then another will take his place, and another, until King tells me that’s all for the night. The Boogie Man is very real, and his face changes every hour, and that is a reality that will never leave.
I remember my family, the picnics, the holiday gifts and the barbecue in the suburbs. I remember the trip to the Mall, and the stranger approaching, and the hand over my mouth and darkness descended, only to give way to a new reality, but I’ll be damned if I’ll look them in the face because then they would be real…all of this would be real….and then I’d just want to die. What day is this? What month is this? What did mommy and daddy look like? I can’t hear their voices any longer. Is this real or was that real?
Helping Battered Women
- Women Helping Battered Women – Working to end domestic violence against women and children
WHBW believes that all women and children have the right to live without fear of battering – sexual, physical, emotional, or financial. Our vision is an end of physical, sexual, emotional and economic abuse.
Random thoughts
STOP AND LOOK AROUND YOU
They are everywhere you look. They might even be your neighbors, or some distant relatives, or heaven forbid a close friend or daughter or son. Try your best to avert your eyes because, as Yvonne said, to see them is to admit that they are real and that just might be too unsettling.
We step over and around them daily. We clutch our purses and our wallets, and we detour to safety across the street when we see them coming. We say a silent prayer of thanks that our loved ones are not like that, and to soothe our conscience we speak out against injustice and then scurry home to our safe harbor and toast the good life.
On Sundays we drop a five in the collection plate and feel good about ourselves. We have done our part to help humanity and now it’s time for that barbecue and the good life to begin. We can’t understand why those people don’t do something to help themselves and damn the government for giving free handouts to people who are fully capable of fending for themselves. After all, we made it so why can’t they?
But you see, we never faced those obstacles now did we? We were never snatched off the streets and we never faced an emotional darkness so bleak as to seem a fantasy. We have never had to scrounge for food in a dumpster and we have never had to share our food with the rats. Without that perspective how can we possibly pass judgment? There but for the grace of God is more than a snappy saying that gives us some relief. Those words are a truth more terrifying than we want to admit. There but for the grace of God go I….and you….and you over there.
And so it goes. Yvonne will die only to be replaced by another Yvonne. Keith and Barbara, Walt and Karen, all will continue to struggle, and when that last ounce of struggle has left their bodies they will become another statistic to read about on page 37 of the Sunday Times.
Hurry now, lock your doors. Tuck your kids into bed and tell them stories of hope and opportunity, and make sure you tell them to say their prayers, because you never know…..you just never know….you just never know!
2013 William D. Holland (aka billybuc)
Comments
- Author
Theresa, thank you so much! This one was close to my heart and I appreciate your appreciation. :) Blessings to you my friend.
What a striking (and unfortunately too true) portrayal of our cities and towns. This is a moving, compassionate, and important essay. Thank you Billy. Theresa
- Author
Dianna, thank you! I felt good about this hub and it's nice to know others felt the same way. God bless you my friend and have a wonderful weekend.
Quite a powerful and moving article. I am touched by the truth of it all. We must live out what we believe, reach out to show those who are hungry that there is hope. God bless you, Bill.
- Author
Thank you torrilynn. I believe that to be true.
your belief and your faith will definitely guide you in times of hardship. thanks. voted up.
- Author
Glimmer, thank you! This is one of my favorites because it was so personal and yes, painful to write. I appreciate your kind words and yes, it goes on daily everywhere.
Wow - this is one of your most powerful hubs yet. I'm going to have to come back and read it again. Sad thing is that these things go on in big and small cities, anywhere in the world.
- Author
Jen, thank you so much and yes, this came from my heart. The fact that it arrived in your heart and it had so much meaning to you speaks volumes about you as a person.
This is profound to say the least. I can atest that this article will move the "humanity" in the reader. You have truly captured a form of "LIFE" that many experience, it's truly heart- breaking. This obviously came from your heart and this shows, in my opinion, that you see the truth about the quality of life that many live. An amazing hub that I have to pass on and share. VOTED UP! Thank you so much for sharing. ~ Jen
- Author
Fred, thank you! Not all of my writing feels like my best effort, but this one did. I appreciate the visit and kind words.
Good article. Your article inspire us a lot to help those who really want that............... A good step for humanity.
nice
keep writing and inspiring
greetings,
- Author
Sanxuary, I agree completely. The greatest learning moments in my life have come because of suffering. The economy is dictating that people learn to return to basics, and I suspect things will get worse before they get better in the industrialized nations. There is a great deal of learning and growth ahead of us. :)
Its sad to say but a lot of this suffering has actually brought a lot of people back to Earth. The key is to discover the positive aspects of living a life on this planet to achieve maturity in the next life. The discovery is finding out that it improves you in this life as well. Personal Sanctuary, building Sanctuary in your home and building it every where you go. Today we are more dependant on others and we do not even realize it. This dependency was created by consumerism however, and when one thing fails we all go down with the ship. No more local markets or even farmers will feed us in the next famine. We will drink from the polluted water we poisoned claiming we no longer needed it. We can not blame God any more once we realize that we do this to ourselves in the name of greed and selfishness. Its almost impossible to help others when even charity has become a business and its CEO's claim high entitlements. All society is regulated and that is what a society is. There is no such thing as an unregulated society. Deregulation has allowed thieves every where to prosper and be rewarded by bail outs. Despite their purchased goals they do nothing but collect on their Ponzi schemes. We can only take our anger and do something good with it.
- Author
Faith, I was expecting you. I saw your comment on Eddy's hub. Thank you dear lady. I know you do much more than your share in helping others and bless you for it.
love and blessings, today and always
bill
Dearest Bill!
How did I ever miss this one, oh my goodness! This is indeed a sad reality in this world, and I am so thankful my eyes have been open to see the real people on the streets, as they are not garbage! Very profound write.
Thank you for this profound write.
Voted up ++++ and sharing
Blessings, Faith Reaper
- Author
truefaith, I certainly hope that car doesn't hit you, but I understand your point completely. There is too much suffering in this nation, supposedly the richest nation on earth. I think it's about time we take care of our own.
Thank you for your kind words.
Wow...this is one of the most powerful hubs I've read yet. It's sickening that in our day and age, this kind of suffering goes on in our society. We just don't know how many people around us - including our friends, neighbors and even close family members - are suffering in silence. The sad thing is, we may never know and probably can only barely begin to comprehend how big their daily struggle to survive is. In the meantime, we'll just keep shopping at the mall and chat on our iPhones about all the poor people begging for money in the mall parking lot. And maybe, just maybe, a speeding car will come along and hit us there in the parking lot, leaving us with life-changing injuries. Then it's our turn.....
- Author
Kris, this sort of thing sickens me, and I have had to back off from writing about it too much because it is too hard on me. Imagine actually living a life like I described in this hub.
Thank you for the visit and the kind words.
- Author
Sanxuary, thank you for that wonderful comment, one I agree with completely. Apathy and complacency...the twin-headed demon of modern society. What are we to do when we choose to forget the suffering of others?
- Author
LKMore, thank you so much. I'm glad you have family that will not let you down. Imagine not having that family. I have been blessed in my lifetime. I was homeless for a short period and I will never forget the lessons learned on the street.
- Author
Capedium, thank you Sir!
BillyBuc, thanks for this.
I think most of your readers know most of the facts, but you truly bring it home us -- and leave us to ask, "what more can I do?" Voted "Awesome" and shared.
The read was good but I had no idea what the righteousness was about. Perhaps, doing the right thing for others but we are in this mess because we are not doing what is right for everyone. Denial and a belief that the greed that still exist today will eventually pay us a fair wage. Nothing has changed and we still support the institutions that promote this imbalanced society we live in. I promote Sanctuary and the idea that we should all have the ability to build it. A life of apathy and no beliefs held by countless numbers of people who never practice what they pretend to be. You can believe what you want but doing what you believe teaches others that your example is a worthy cause. We are nowhere close to changing a thing. We are learning what we do not like and will oppose in the future.
Billybuc,
This is one of many HUBs I've ready by you over the past few days that has touched me on a personal level. There have been a few times in my life when I've been one paycheck away from living in my car. Fortunately, I have a family who would never let that happen. Thank you for reminding us all not to ignore sufferering but to extend our gratitiude and do what we can to help each other.
Good food for thought
- Author
Jaye, your reaction to this hub just confirms my impressions of you as a human being. You care, and that is the highest praise I can give someone. I have heard people say the same things....the homeless will just use the money for drugs and booze. Well, I gave up reading minds a long time ago. I have no idea what they will use the money for, but if there is a chance they need it for food then I'll take that chance.
I felt very good about this hub; that is not always the case. Thank you for affirming my feelings. :)
bill
Bill...This is one of your best, and I can only imagine the emotion the writing of it caused you, since its powerful message practically lifted me out of my chair as I read.
I can't drive past someone standing at an intersection or underpass with a sign asking for help, even if I only have a small amount to give. For years I've had others tell me I'm a fool to give such people handouts, that they're only panhandling in order to buy booze or drugs, but how can anyone know that for certain? I can't take the chance of ignoring someone who is truly hungry or needs money to feed a child. Compared to those truly in need, even when we have little in our wallets, we have so much.
I am on the mailing list of so many organizations that help those in need that my postal carrier probably chuckles as he delivers a steady stream of envelopes asking for contributions. Yet, even though I don't have the means to give a lot to any of them, I still believe that small gifts from many people add up to help for those who need it. Never underestimate the power of collective "small" contributions! $10 x 100,000 givers = $1 million! Most people waste at least $10 a week on something they don't really need. Why not put that money where it will do some good?
I know I'm rambling on and likely not making much sense, but you touched me so profoundly with this article that I'm still rocked by its message. I hope you get many, many readers and that every person who reads it shares it with HP readers, social networks and his/her email address book.
Voted Up++++ and shared
Jaye
- Author
Rolly, your words are true my friend. Just a little more compassion and empathy...certainly can't hurt. :)
Thank you Sir, and blessings coming your way.
bill
Hi Billy... Thanks for writing this and I must say it is a hard read and yet is touching. Even animals in the wild care for each other better than we as humans do at times.
Hugs as always Billy to you and yours...
- Author
Leslie, I am truly honored by your words. This is one of my favorites of all the hubs I have written, but it is, indeed, very sad. Maybe that says something about me. :) Thank you dear friend!
oh, Bill...ohhhh, Bill...this was SOOO difficult to read - i continued only for the sake of the karen's, walt's, barbara's, keith's, and yvonne's in the world..
this may very well be my favorite - in a very sad way! It makes me feel soo..hopeless - i can't stand it, plus - i've seen or endured some of what you speak..
i am now checking out that link, and sharing this forward..
Awesome job, my friend...truly awesome!
- Author
Ruby, I agree about what I should write. I also suspect you do much more than most to help those in need. Thank you!
This is so real and it could happen to anyone. I can do more to help. I can't pass a homeless person without giving. You should write more articles like this. You are a good butt kicker. Best wishes..
- Author
Deb, I can without hesitation that until I was homeless I had no idea what I was talking about. Now I do, and I will never turn my back on the homeless again. Thank you!
Until those do-gooders hit rock bottom themselves, they will never know what the poor, the homeless, and the stolen endure. Sometimes the tables turn, Billy, and they are better for it.
- Author
LOL....Jo, it is one heck of a ride for sure. Thank you!
Hey Billy, I meant to say earlier, but was blown away by the content of this page. I've left the station on the 1259 Shuttle, and I'm tightening my seatbelt, it promises to be a bumpy ride :)).
- Author
Peggy, I always have my leg limbered up to deliver a little kick in the butt. :) It is so easy to get discouraged as a writer, or to get sidetracked by life. I want every writer to experience the joy I did when I wrote my book. It is a wonder to behold. :) Thank you and have a great weekend in Texas.
Oh my gosh Bill. You painted such a vivid picture of so many different people who are struggling from day to day to make ends meet, may be homeless, may be the ones who are caught up in the horrendous human trafficking trade, etc. And you are right...it could be any of us with a slight twist of fate or turn of events who could be just like them. It is heartening that you give voice to those people and that you care so much. "There but for the grace of God"...this is a wake up call! Thanks for including links to organizations that can help. We all need to do our part. Up and useful votes and sharing far and wide.
- Author
Debbie, I would be honored to meet you father. He sounds like a father to be proud of. Thank you for telling us a little about him. Maybe a hub about him will come soon. :)
- Author
Seafarer, thank you for the reference to Chuck Collins. I will look him up.
Do not give up your dream of being a Park Ranger. It is a noble calling and we need people like you to carry on that tradition. Best of luck to you as you follow your inner voice and dreams.
Thank you!.......p.s....never fear about religious connotations from me. I'll never preach using religion as my pulpit. I'm more of a soapbox kind of guy. :)
- Author
PS., sorry about those tears. I had some while writing this, and Bev bawled like a baby when I read it to her. I can't write these daily; it is too painful for me. Imagine actually living these stories. :)
I'll take all the angels you can send to me; thank you always.
hugs and blessings on the way from me to you
bill
- Author
Jo, I agree with you, for the sake of sanity most of us choose not to see this ugliness around us. There is only so much we can do as individuals, and I understand that as well as anyone. I feel frustration and powerlessness on most days. I can't imagine what these people feel.
Thank you as always my friend. Have a wonderful weekend.
- Author
DDE, I am so lucky to have the life that I have. The stories I have written here could easily be about me if not for fate and luck. Thank you for reading and commenting.
- Author
Eddy, thank you! As a writer, I do not like everything that I write; this I felt was one of my best. This is the type of writing that I am good at. Let others do their SEO; this is what I was born to write.
love and blessings today and always,
billy
- Author
girishpuri, we are very lucky, are we not? The life we take for granted cannot even be imagined by people such as the ones I wrote about. Thank you my friend!
- Author
Gypsy, thank you for your comment. Once in that hole it is so hard to climb back out without help. I cannot imagine the depths of depression they must experience daily.
- Author
You are welcome, Martin; thank you for the visit.
- Author
Rajan, thank you for sharing. Your point is the truth; each day is a struggle for people such as these. I cannot even imagine what they go through daily while I live the good life.
What a powerful article Bill! My father is not one to step around these people, but rather one to stop, speak to the person, and find out what they need at the moment. He takes them to the Dr., buys them food, and even goes to court with them sometimes. What a great example he has been to me. I think he and you would have a lot in common.
Thank you for reminding us that it's up to each one of us to do our part.
What heart-rending stories, Billybuc! Normally, I would not read a hub that is titled with a religious connotation...sensing that it would be just preachy, but somehow because this one was written by you, I knew it wouldn't be pretentious....and I am inspired to try to help others because of it.
Now with the National Parks having their funding cut, more workers will be unemployed. Why? So the war machine that mangles our soldiers can keep doing its dirty business? Ugh!
Being a park ranger is my dream job. It has just moved even farther away from a hopeful reality for me than it was before. How can we take back our country and make it belong to the people again?
Thank you, Billybuc, for keeping the fire of passion for justice alive in my soul! :0)
P.S. Look up a fellow by the name of Chuck Collins and tell me what you think. Wonder how we can spread his message to the people who need it most?
This hits especially close to home, Bill.
Tears flowing now as I write this. There really are no words that can add to what you have written.
We are so blessed, each of us that is reading this, and is not without limbs or food or shelter or whatever it is that makes a life more pleasant, need to step up to the plate and make some kind of difference for those who need our care, our concern.
A lift to a store, a sandwich, a warm blanket, a visit, some kind of reachng out makes a difference. In some cases it reminds those of whom you speak feel valued once again.
Voted up up and away ++++
Sending many Angels to you and yours.. :) ps
Billy, unfortunately; the people who really need to read this article, probably won't give it a second look. It is incomprehensible, how so many people and especially children, can be abused, used defiled in the cruelest way, allowed to go hungry, live on the streets where they are prayed upon again by the vilest of creeps. Not in the Victorian era but right here and now, in the 21st century, and in countries like the UK and US.
There are times when the only way to stay sane is to pretend you just can't see it, or try to do what you can little by little, because when you see the immensity of the problem it's easy to become overwhelmed.
This is exceptional even for Billybuc. Take care and my best to you.
Life can't be the same for everyone and things are constantly changing,and everyone can sees the world in the same way.
Oh Billy what do I say ???This really hit the spot and the way in which you shared the plight of so many was paramount !!!
We all need to open our eyes ;we all need to take stock and ask ourselves honestly "are we really doing all we can ??" I know what many honest replies will be from many of us "No we are not!!" But it's never too late to begin;never too late to help!! Never too late to care for those who scurry in the stagnant stench of the avenues or underground shelters !!!They are not filthy creatures ;they are human being with a heart that beats the same as ours.
This on has really hit a nerve Billy and thank you my very dear friend for being you !!!
A very special person with a heart as big as houses ; a heart so honest and true.
I wish you and Bev a wonderful weekend.
Lots of love
Eddy.
Bill, this hub is touching, it is indeed painful for me, to know such people, i really thank God, what ever he has given to me, i convey my sincere thanks to him, and a sincere pray to look after them as well, God bless.
Amen to that Bill. Powerful message. Each day and every day people fall into what I call "black holes" and it is so hard to get out. Love, kindness and understanding is what this world needs more of. Hugs. Passing this on.
Thank you for sharing these insights.
Reality is indeed stunning in more ways than one, Bill. Out there, do these people ever believe there is hope for them? A very tough day awaits many of them each morning. I hope each one of us gives these unfortunates more thought than a five in the collection plate.
Very powerful hub. Sharing on G+1.
- Author
Mary my friend, thank you for telling that story. Who knows when such an act will have a huge impact on someone's life. Bravo my friend, and I'm proud to call you my friend.
- Author
rasta, it was meant to jar people. Thank you for the confirmation and for your visit. I greatly appreciate both.
Oh Bill, the message in this hub is phenomenal. It has power and pathos...so real and so heart wrenching. I once found myself in a situation to help a young girl whose parents were alcoholics, fall down drunk, wife beating alcoholics. I offered an ear, helped with homework and came when Mommy was sick. She is grown up now, married with children of her own and a lovely lady. Such a small act on my part, such a big impact. We can't close our eyes! God help us all to help each other, especially those less fortunate...God bless XO
Voted up, useful, awesome, and interesting.
I can relate to your poetic evaluation. This hub emotionally jarred me from many angles. A very in depth unselfish expression.
- Author
Thank you Sha! The same to you!
Hugs and kisses to you, my friend!
- Author
Sha, thank you! This one was near and dear to my heart. Have a great weekend my dear friend.
Wow, you told me to look out for today's hub and I must tell you, this is the best presentation of your plea for the victims that you have posted yet! This is amazing and if anyone doesn't feel like a real shit for stepping over those who cry out, shame on them!
- Author
Have a good evening, Linda, and thanks....as always!
Have no fear Bill. It is early evening here in the east so your readers may be busy wrapping up their work week or, getting an early start to the weekend. I feel confident that the traffice will pick up. It's an awesome write so you know what they say...build it and they will come. :-)
- Author
Bill, thank you so much. I have tried to limit my ramblings of a serious nature but still, there are times I need to speak out for the common good. This was one of those times.
Bill, you are certainly getting into the consciousness of your followers. A lot to think about here, a very moving article. There is so much misery in the world, it is very sad. Thank you for sharing this with us.
- Author
Thanks, Linda! A little disappointed in this one because nobody is reading it, and I feel so strongly about the message. A good lesson in humility for me today as it gathers dust like an old, forgotten book. LOL Have a great weekend buddy!
Oh my kindred, this one is spectacular. I felt the emotion, saw the faces, put names to the situations and sobbed. The gospel... brilliant writing. The gospel...genuine concern. The gospel...according to Bill, we have so much work to be done. Beautifully poignmant and REAL. Four stars for this one my friend.
- Author
Ruchira, wasn't that incredible, the video of the meteorite? Makes you stop and think about life, doesn't it? We are so lucky and often we don't even realize it.
Thank you as always my friend and have a great weekend.
- Author
David, I think that would be an incredible article or book. I think you should go for it. Heck, buddy, most of us don't have the money to hand out on a regular basis, but maybe writing an article about the homeless will do them more good than a couple bucks. Just a thought.
Thank you for the visit and your comment. Have a great weekend.
Bill, this was a powerful hub. My heart ached for such people and made me feel fortunate to have the daily bread and a shelter over me.
After reading about meteorite hitting russia...I was shocked that even disasters from outside can hit you...life is unpredicatable and we gotta make the most of it. Acts of good ness can take a long way and fill that karma bank of ours!
There is no lack of homeless people here in Northern Nevada. I've often considered taking my camera and spending some time talking with some of them and trying to get their stories out there for whatever good it would do. Unfortunately I haven't done this because I wouldn't feel right about not having money to help them which unfortunately I really don't. Reading your hub makes my excuse sound rather lame, perhaps I reallly should allocate a small amount of money and give it some attention.
- Author
Thank you Michael. This was an important one for me. I'm glad it hit home for you.
Bill, you really outdid yourself with this one. As I read it, it sounded like the voice of my own conscience talking to me. Small-town folk like myself are too insulated from the real world, and we need to open our eyes and see what's really going on out there. Voted up+++ and shared.
- Author
Thank you Mike! Next step....up to us indeed. :)
You've painted a picture that has come alive. A name to a face to a person to a situation. Next step? Up to us. Thank you, Bill, for your words.
- Author
Thanks Carol! I think it is very easy to lose sight of these things happening all around us, especially if, like you said, they are not a part of your daily landscape.
When we live in a city where this is not part of our daily landscape we tend to forget. However, it is quite real and you certainly got to the point of all of it. Thanks as always for bringing the truth in life up front.
- Author
Kathryn, I'm honored that my book is the one you bought then. Thank you again and have a great weekend.
Well, you are accomplishing your goal of promoting awareness. At least less people will ignore the problem.
I will let you know when the book arrives! I am excited to receive it. I have't bought a new book in several months!
- Author
Kathryn, I think awareness is the first step, and that was my goal here. These are human beings, and as such they deserve to be heard, and they deserve to be treated with the same respect that we give to someone who owns a home and dresses nicely.
Anyway, thank you my friend. I hope your book arrives soon. :)
That is making my eyes fill with tears. I am aware that people go through difficulties like that, and it makes me thankful my life is good. But it doesn't help them one bit. It is easier to avert our eyes, and pretend life is not that bad for people, but it doesn't make it go away. It is much more of an inconvenience to those who are going through it, than to the rest of us. My heart aches for them. What is there to do, aside from not passing judgement?
- Author
Eric, I understand that completely. :) Thank you my friend!
Bill, this hub was just too darned long! And the sad thing is, that it needs to be longer.
- Author
Maria.....thank you! This one I felt deeply when I wrote it. :)
- Author
Phoenix, this one was important to me. More so than most of my writing. Thank you for reading it and appreciating it. Some writing is just more important than other, you know? :) Have a wonderful weekend my friend.
Wow!!!! you push and push until the end exploded my heart! Wow!!!
"Hurry now, lock your doors. Tuck your kids into bed and tell them stories of hope and opportunity, and make sure you tell them to say their prayers, because you never know…..you just never know….you just never know!"
Like the proverbial iron fist in the velvet glove, you're simple, forthright words pack a punch. It really makes you stop and think, much longer that one would like too, about the reality of our world.
- Author
Thanks Michelle. I hope we see that day in the near future.
- Author
Thanks Randi! We do the same thing and we are always met with gratitude, and we are always humbled. Thanks for that comment and have a wonderful weekend.
Yes, we actually have to walk the talk to really do good for others. Well said!
- Author
Thank you Liz! This was one I was proud of. :)
Beautiful writing, Bill. This is a very moving piece. Thank you for sharing it.
Excellent hub...true words! Incredibly sad, Bill. The other day, there was a man on our corner with a sign saying he needs to get to Colorado. I gave him a dollar and he couldn't have been happier and sweeter. Yesterday, we brought him a bag of toiletries. It struck me what a happy and grateful man he was! Thank you for sharing this all important message!
104