Just before heading to India, my squad spent a few days in Toronto for what is called a Leadership Development Weekend. While walking through downtown on New Year’s Eve, a couple teammates and I met a homeless man named Taite. The Lord prompted me to speak with him, so I did, sparking a long conversation where Taite told us all about his life and the struggles that he has endured. Through our conversation, I was reminded of how important it is that we fill all of our actions with love and compassion, no matter the circumstance.
As we sat there on the street, completely freezing and every inch of my body shaking, I realized that part of me was wishing that Taite would stop telling so many stories so I could end the conversation and go find some warmth. I kicked myself for thinking such a thing, and in that moment was hit by a realization:
After we finished speaking, I would return to a warm car, filled with people who cared about me. I would continue on in my blessed life where I am travelling the world and living for Christ with people who love me, and then would return to my life in Canada with my mom and sister, who both love me immeasurably. While I was doing those things, Taite would still be sitting on the frigid streets of Toronto with countless people walking past him and completely ignoring him each day. He would continue his life of truly believing that there was not one person out there who loved or cared about him, convinced that his life would be nothing more than sadness, pain, and tragedy. All he wanted was to be loved and heard, and I was allowing my own comfort to determine the love that I would show him.
As we continued to speak, he paused during a story he was telling and said something – his voice full of evident pain – that broke my heart:
“I’m sorry, my stories are so sad. Not many people want to hear them.”
It truly pained me to hear this because, unfortunately, it’s a statement that I cannot deny. Each day he is ignored by the majority of people who pass him, perhaps looking at him as “lazy,” “an addict,” or “crazy,” or telling themselves that while it’s tragic that he is living on the streets, they’re to busy to stop. I know that there have been countless time when I’ve justified not stopping for someone on the street, despite every fibre of my being telling me that I should.
When I actually took the time to stop, as I did with Taite, I remembered why it is so important that I do. I was reminded that instead of all those hurtful terms that are so often placed upon those who are homeless, they are in actuality people with hopes, dreams, and a deep desire to be heard.
Despite this, and even though we may not intend, we so often overlook people like Taite. We look at our own circumstances – our busy schedules, our own comforts, or, in my case, my body temperature – and allow that to determine the compassion that we show. Because it may not always be easy or pleasant, we can deny love and compassion to those who often need it the most.
For Taite, the lack of love that he had experienced in his life was extremely evident in the way he spoke about many things, but one that stood out to me most was his dogs, Prince and King. He looked sadly at his companions and stated: “I would kill myself if anything happened to my dogs. I would have ended my life a long time ago if it weren’t for them. They’re all I have.”
For many homeless people, that is the case. They are so ignored and dehumanized that it becomes unbearably lonely, and the only love and affection they feel comes from their animals. Humans were created as social creatures, so a life without companionship can be detrimental to one’s mental state and morale. Dogs provide the love that they so desperately need but are being refused by those around them.
For both Christians and non-Christians alike, it can be a struggle to continually live with a mindset of love and compassion. Even for those with the best intentions, circumstances can sometimes get in the way. Because of this, we need to be sure to make a conscious effort to live in such a way despite the situation or circumstance.
Whether it is in speaking out against injustice, speaking up for those who are oppressed or in need, or simply having a conversation with someone who is sleeping on the street, we must ensure that every action we make is driven by empathy, and from each one pours compassion and kindness. Though it seems like such a simple notion, if every person lived in such a way, the amount of pain in our world would decrease exponentially. It is that way of living that God so greatly desires for us, for kindness, compassion, and a desire for justice for those in need are three huge parts of who He is.
“…I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice, and righteousness, for in these I delight.” ~ Jeremiah 9:24
As we walk through life, it is vital to keep in mind the needs and struggles of those around us. Even if it is a time that seems inconvenient for us, or helping is uncomfortable, it is absolutely crucial that we help nonetheless. Love and compassion, two things that seems so simple, will radically change the world if we make the effort to incorporate them into everything we do. If we just set ourselves aside and create in ourselves hearts that care deeply for those who need it most, incredible beauty will fill our lives and the world around us. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience that.
URGENT: I am not yet fully funded, and need to raise at least $1,100 by the end of February or else I will be send home. Please donate if you can!!!
