A few months ago, I was invited by a coworker to come to an outdoor picnic. I had an uneasy feeling about going, but accepted because he was so insistent. He is a married guy with six kids - being single, I feel weird hanging out with a bunch of married people.
To my surprise, the event was sponsored by a local Christian church. I felt really uncomfortable because I thought they would try to convert me to Christianity, something I really wasn’t prepared to deal with. I live in an area of the US known as the bible belt, so I guess I’m used to it. The main reason I went was because my friend Jason wanted me to meet his sister, who hadn’t arrived at that point as she was running late.
I noticed an old homeless man standing nearby. He was struggling just to walk and was blind. He asked a few people if he could have something to eat because he was weak and very hungry. One of the church members said, “Leave you filthy old man, you stink. Leave or we will call the police.”
The old man replied, “I’m so sorry sir,” and began walking away, using a mop stick to feel the ground.
I felt really bad about it. The guy who rudely told him to leave said, “Can you believe that? Every time we have a cook out, a goddamn trashy low life comes crawling out of the woodwork trying to leech a free meal off of us.”
I was shocked and thought everyone else would’ve been too, but they weren’t. My friend Jason and his wife agreed, telling their children to stay away from the old man so they wouldn’t catch a disease from him. I was so offended! I became angry and tried to avoid saying anything but couldn’t help it. I said, “I thought you people were supposed to be Christians. Aren’t you supposed to help people? I’m looking around and everyone here drives expensive cars, wears designer clothes and act really superficial.”
Jason said, “That old man isn’t a person, he’s trash. We can’t feed every vagrant that walks up.”
I replied, “I cannot believe how callous you people are. Real Christians don’t worry about material things and are supposed to love every human being…unconditionally.”
Disgusted, I walked away from the discussion, preparing myself a plate full of food and a cup of apple juice. I brought it to the homeless man and we sat down on the ground while he ate. The crowd stared at me in disbelief, offended at what I had done. I talked to the old man for quite a while, and wanted to share what I remember of the conversation. I decided to present it in an interview format for ease of understanding:
Me: How long have you been blind?
Old man: I was born blind. My parents pretty much rejected me at a young age. I’m really sorry about begging for food, but I haven’t eaten in three days. I suffer from dementia, and being blind makes things so much more difficult.
Me: So you’ve never been able to see your entire life? You’ve heard of words like ugly, pretty, fat, stupid? What do those words mean to you?
Old Man: Yes, I’ve heard those words, but I don’t understand what they mean. People don’t understand…I have never seen anything so I don’t have a concept of what things look like. It’s so strange to have someone ask me about that. No one has ever asked me about that. I don’t know much, but I do know I’ve been called many of those words. I don’t get upset when someone calls me old, stupid or whatever because I don’t know what it really means when describing a person.
Me: You go by smell or sound mostly huh? When you hear someone speak, do you feel a certain way about them because of the sound of their voice?
Old Man: No. People all sound different. I go by what they say and how they say it. Some people are mean or rude. Some people speak kindly. Some women smell pretty like flowers, and some don’t. I wish I could see, but I got over it years ago. You are so lucky to have eyes that work.
Me: No my friend, you are the lucky one. If you could see, you’d know why people are cruel and treat others based solely on what they look like. People who see, live their lives based on it. They like nice clothes, cars, houses, pretty things and so forth. Every one of those things are unimportant and irrelevant. People live their lives based on what they see on TV or in magazines.
Old man: I’ve never watched TV of course. I can read braille, but really don’t understand much of it because many stories are about what things look like. I don’t know what anything looks like. Thank you very much for helping me today, you are a very kind person. Just from talking to you, I feel like the weight of the world was lifted off my shoulders. Thank you.
Me: No…thank you sir, you are the luckiest man alive and I will never forget you.
He smiled and we shook hands. I offered to drive him somewhere but he immediately cut me off. He wanted no more help from me and slowly walked off into the woods. It may seem strange that I got into a philosophical conversation with him, but it does happen to me quite often. I couldn’t help but wonder what the world would be like if we were all blind. There would be no ugly, fat, short, black, white, pretty or any other superficial judgments. It was a powerful experience and I am truly thankful for having met him. All those people missed out on something truly meaningful because they were filled with so much hatred and bigotry. I do realize these people are not representative of all Christians, but only one small group. I know in my heart that not all of them were like that; someone had to appreciate my actions.
My friend Jason hasn’t since spoken to me for embarrassing him in front of his church group. It doesn’t bother me at all. I would be embarrassed to be like him. Just so you know, I never did meet his sister and don’t even know if she is aware of me giving my food to that old man. I read in the newspaper a few days ago that the old blind man was found dead on the side of the road. He died from dehydration and had been there for a few days before they found his body.
All my life, things like this have happened to me. This is why I am not materialistic. While watching TV earlier, all I saw was perfect, beautiful people; living perfect, beautiful lives. Everyone has perfect hair, expensive clothes and perfectly straight white teeth, capped with expensive porcelain veneers. All I could think is how ugly it all is, how shallow people are and how this world is filled with superficial ideals. My friend J.C. in his post, On-Line Television, put his TV in the closet. I’m not quite ready to do that yet, but there’s not much on it I want to see anymore.
It’s so funny how animals, like cats and dogs, don’t care about what things look like. They love you unconditionally. In many respects, people just aren’t as smart as animals.
I want to apologize to my readers for not visiting anyone lately. I’ve been going through a lot and haven’t felt up to blogging, but I am back…or at least trying to be.
That’s a crazy story. In my neighborhood, we had a guy sitting on a wheelchair outside the shopping area. I never paid him any attention, because you know, that’s the person I am at the moment. But one day we were driving by him, and my wife said, “Oh, good. He’s using the blanket I gave him.” At the moment, I just wished I could be more like her.
He died about a year ago. A hit and run. People from around the neighborhood came out and put flowers on the sidewalk. Someone put a framed photo of him as young sailor. It was interesting how the neighborhood came out together. Even though so few of us ever acknowledged his presence, we all knew he was there and we all felt sympathy for him (rather than condescending pity).
What people fail to see is that being homeless isn’t always something easy to climb up from. The idea they can just get a job or somehow it’s their choice to be homeless is often wrong. The truth is, most people could become homeless in a moments notice - just look at the rate of foreclosures in America. I see myself as equal to the poorest and the richest
You met 90% of the world in that park Bobby!
Sadly they genuinely don’t know any better.
They just don’t get that we are all part of each other!
You didn’t meet that old prophet by accident Bobby.
He was just making sure you stay on the right path.
Feel love and joy Bobby, and keep up your good works!
Love, Darrell.
P.S. It’s no coincidence that our paths crossed today either!
I feel sad after reading the incident and will do the same thing if i were there.
Thank you for sharing the story and really keeps me thinking that i’m fortunate and have to count on my blessing..and lastly, learnt not to be materialist and give unconditionally.
Just wanted to let you know that you werre the closest thing to Christ that day. I am a Pentecostal Pastor and your actions were very Christian although you may not be. The Church group ought to be ashamed of themselves. My heart broke at their attitudes and how they give Christianity a bad name. I would love to see you accept Christ as your savior…. you 2 really have a lot in common.
Wishing you well. sca
Oh Bobby! What an amazing story! Wow!! You are obviously spiritually evolved and realize that there is more to life than outward appearances- it’s strange that the group of Christians didn’t think to help. It’s funny because right now the Mormons are being judged so harshly due to the polygamist scandal. But I grew up church hopping, and the Mormon church was one of the only ones where the people would go out of their way to help anyone, didn’t matter if they were fellow Mormons or not.
I am like you, I cannot see someone suffering and just ignore them. That doesn’t make any sense to me. I get in trouble for feeding all of the neighborhood cats (the neighbors think I’m nuts for taking care of them).
I most definitely would have helped the homeless man too if I was in your situation. When I see the mean way people treat one another I’m blown away. What’s a second of kindness? A smile, a hello, or sharing what you have with someone who has nothing.
You are very inspiring!! And thanks to your post I’m motivated to go and do something today to help someone!
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Hi Christy! Are you talking about the polygamist ranch in Texas recently in the news? It is a disgusting crime for the police to take all the children away from their families, but people don’t understand their beliefs. Maybe a child was molested maybe they weren’t - there is still no reason to confiscate every child - it’s a violation of their civil liberties.
You feed all the cats? Haha…you kitty lover
For me, it was equally important to hopefully teach those people a lesson in humility as it was to help that man. Many folks are afraid to go against the norm and a good example can often inspire a little bravery in them. That bravery for doing the right thing is often a costly burden. I’ve lost many dream jobs and relationships because of my inability to turn a blind eye.
Hi Bobby!! That was a very nice story. Being a Catholic I can only shake my head in disbelief at the behaviour of my fellow Christians! I think that the materialism has gone to their heads and they’ve forgotten the basics of the bible! It’s really sad…for them!
Like you say the old dude was lucky in a way not to be able to see what people have become. All I can say that he’s gone to a better place and can see the beauty of life after death.
Cheers!
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Genie King! It’s really great to see you here
I bet most of the people there were glad I did that but might have been afraid to speak up. I am not judging them and hope my friend comes around and doesn’t stay mad at me. Have a great day 
Good for you for sharing with the man and leaving him with what was hopefully a positive memory for him.
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Hi Dan! It was something I hope most people would do no matter who’s looking
I was just wondering where you’d been at and then saw this post in my reader and am finally making my way over. It really is sad about the blind man dying. How terrible. But then, how wonderful that you took the weight of the world off his shoulders for a little while. Who needs friends like Jason anyway? I find a lot of people (not just Christian) have similar attitudes and it always amazes me when they act snooty like that because, really, most religions have theoretically good teachings on how to treat your fellow man.
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Hi Teeni! I blame those behaviors on the group dynamic, where people in that group tend to stay on one side - the main reason I choose to be an individual affiliated with no groups. It’s like police who get one another’s “back” and side without damaging their overall integrity. I was a loner or even an outsider as far back as kindergarten and never quite fit in. It’s caused me many problems but I can only be myself
You are really courageous to go against the social norm and see the person underneath. I admire your actions. I’m sure even if those present were annoyed at the time, it will have made some positive impression or shown them an example of what could be, not that it matters, it’s just an opportunity for them to learn too from your action.
It’s important for us to have real experiences and share them, than to be flitting around online all the time. Your story is proof of that.
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Hello Joh! I think 99% of bloggers see what other bloggers do and do something very similar to the ones they like. Then little cliques are formed and they lose their true voice of originality, becoming part of the crowd - a natural human tendency. To me, nothing is more important than sharing insightful ideas, especially if they inspire others
Hi Bobby, good to see you are back and I hope all is well.
That’s some story — I have to admit that it does happen quite often. I understand that the experience does not represent all Christians either. However, it is quite disappointing to know that these type of people exist.
For the longest time, I have been avoiding invites from my friends to parties or events at their church because of a similar experience. I watched a play & an after-party. Sad to say, it was the most superficial group of people I have met in my entire life. I made another mistake by attending another ‘event’ just because another friend has been nagging me for the longest time. Accck! I felt like I was thrown in the lion’s den. They were trying to convert me while criticizing other religions! Eeeek! I was just glad that I didn’t ride with another friend that day.
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Hi Gypsy! I have been condemned and criticized by overly religious people since I was a young boy. Most religious people aren’t like that but some are and they can be very hurtful. I am fascinated with religion and have been studying all of them for most of my life, but am not religious myself; however, I am spiritual and my beliefs are closer to Buddhism and Taoism than anything else. I’ve been told I will burn in hell by many people but I don’t believe in such things
Thank you for sharing this with us. I am sorry that you had to witness that kind of treatment by so called “christians” but they are the minority for sure. Maybe that homeless man was Jesus for an instant on earth. Imagine that? I am proud of you, and even prouder for sharing your story.
God Bless,
Rebecca
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Hi Rebecca! That’s an interesting point of view - very metaphorical. Someone that truly devotes their life to God cannot be concerned with money and other material things, but there are many who are
wow …that really puts things in perspective. thank you for being so real and being kind and compassionate with that homeless man.
Hi Dawn, thank you for reading and have a wonderful day!
Thanks for being one of the few who bring humanity to the human race.
“That old man isn’t a person, he’s trash” was so incredibly offensive and callous I find it hard to believe someone who [supposedly] believes in God could say that.
Hello Chris! Well, just because someone goes to church doesn’t mean they are giving and caring people. I would bet 50% of church goers go to maintain their image or have a family involvement in that particular church. The fact is, there are good people from every religion, race and country. Even atheists can be giving and caring
It looks like my comments haven’t been posting properly, maybe because they’re too long, so all I will say is to read Matthew 25:31-46 in the Bible. It supports your thought that those “Christians” don’t really know Christ!
Amen! From an Atheist even
At least one of his buddies whom I also knew was also a Veteran, gave him a ride one time and spare shoes and blankets I had. Even when I was poor as heck walking home with that 10 taco special for the GF and kids, still gave a few to some street folk I happened to pass. I know we couldn’t eat it all.
Agree 100%. I give as much love as I can to the homeless. Heck, I sometimes sit down and drink with em. Always have wonderful stories to tell. The Sarge wasn’t homeless but he hung out with em too..got hit by a truck
It’s just little things. We can’t all cure places like Darfur or the Burma cyclone or China earthquake. But we can do little things. Not just for homeless folks, but little things against racism or homophobia or misogyny. Little things add up.
Hi KeaponLaffin, I believe many homeless people actually prefer living in the streets as crazy as that sounds. It’s much like prisoners who, after being in that situation long enough would prefer to stay where they know they can survive. I generally don’t give money to them, but will give them food, water or advice
Wow, Bobby, that’s quite an experience. And to think you gave that man a moment’s peace during his last few days on Earth must be gratifying in some way. Not in a boastful way because I know you’re not looking for kudos, but nonetheless, there’s something about what you did that we all need to take away and carry with us every single day.
I’m reading a book that finds virtue, vice and things that are holy in comic books. Yes, comic books! Just hear me out. The chapter I read last night was about a story where Superman decided to set an example to the world by feeding the hungry all across the globe in one day. Just for one day he had hoped to show everyone that something like hunger could be eliminated if we only focused our energy and hearts to that worthy cause.
As it turns out, not even Superman could have solved world hunger. The man who has fought the bad guys in so many ways for so many years, couldn’t even make a dent in the fortress known as Humanity’s Cold Heart. Sure, he helped lots of people that day, but then there were ruthless dictators who would smile and pretend to put the food given to them to good use, but take it for themselves. Or people would steal the food they were given, hurting others in the process.
If you look beyond the blue tights and cape, you’ll find something familiar about that story and what you experienced that day.
Hey Bobby, I’m glad I know you.
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Hi Mark! That Superman story actually sounds very accurate, as sad as it is. The scariest thing happening is the trend towards world globalism, or a one world government. I remember your post about the Amero, where I said I was for such an idea - my ideas have since changed completely, but my view of a one world government is much different that the one forming now. I believe that we Americans will eventually be doing contractual sweat shop labor for other countries, especially as more corporations move to avoid being over taxed. It amazes me how people actually believe that a new president will change things. It cannot change as long as everything is controlled by world banks…period. Humanity is too ignorant to come together right now. Thanks Mark, I’m really glad to know you too my friend
Hey Bobby! Thanks so much for visiting me today, I’ve missed you!
You did the right thing Bobby. I’m sorry to hear ur friend Jason is still not speaking to you, but all I can say is that is his loss. You’re a great person for making the old man smile that day. Hugs for u Bobby! And I hope u’re feeling a bit better today!
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Hi Marzie! It’s great to see you, and I’m feeling much better!
I missed you too 
Oh and I Just stumbled your page here. I honestly can’t believe that I’ve not stumbled u yet! Better late than never right?
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Thank you so much Marzie! That one stumble generated me over 900 visitors with 1900 page views in one day
I couldn’t believe it. This proves that stumble is extremely powerful. I must stumble much more and have many folks in mind who could use some traffic. 
Wow, that must have been a great experience. Some people have amazing stories, a person once asked me for a dollar so they could get a coffee, I gave them a 20 and just said get some food. It mean’t a lot to him and we talked for a minute. Karma works in interesting ways, and they will pay for their mistake at some point.
Hi Bridgette! Well, we can’t help everyone, but should if we feel right about doing it. Giving is so wonderful and it even makes you feel good inside
From Matthew chapter 25:
34″Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37″Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40″The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’
41″Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
44″They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
45″He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’
46″Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
In other words, you were serving Jesus Christ more than the “Christians” were!
Hi
No Discontinuity, they were not serving Jesus Christ. They were being simply what they are - a ‘Human Being’. Thats a big and hard message for 99.9% of folk to grasp yet its really so simple when you think about it.
The simple message here and a very powerful one - Meet someone as they are ‘ A Human Being’. Maybe if a lot more folk start to realise that simple concept then this world will have some semblance of a chance. I very much doubt it though in reality…
Respects to you, from a fellow Human being….
bravo!!! i think i will begin to live.. with closed eyes….
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Hi Paisley! It’s hard to imagine being born blind and not understanding what seeing even means. It is something to learn from
What a touching story Bobby, as someone mentioned it already I think that the most beautiful thing is that the poor man remembered you before he died - he had remembered you as the the proof that life is more than ust a prejudice and pain. You should be proud about it.
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Thanks J.C.! In today’s world, it seems like people think of friends as fashion accessories. I was reading about all the people who only date and are friends with attractive, rich people…haha, I couldn’t believe that. We can all learn a lesson from that blind man
Hallos Bobby,
Saw your comments at my place and decided I must come check you out tonight. How are you feeling our favourite dude? Not really feeling too up to it again? I am sorry I have not been visiting much these days as well. Very tied up with work and other aspects of life too.
I applaud your choice of actions. I am sure it awakens those “spiritual beings” that is full of theory to witness this spirituality in action. You are one great soul that keeps offering kindness and goodness to those around you even at times when you are not feeling too good or struggling to fight some inner battles. Believe me, you are really one brave soul.
May you be blessed with happiness as much as your selfless acts strive to give unconditional happiness to others.
You are not alone. Your blog buddies might be visiting lesser or commenting shorter. But hey we have really known one another for quite some time now. We are no strangers to your plight.
Live Strong.
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Hi Karen, It’s nice to see you! I often wish I were one of those people good at small talk, but generally get into deep conversations whenever possible. I believe we should do the right thing, even if it is not accepted by all. Thanks for your kind wishes!
Great story…seriously..
But as I sit here thinking, I don’t know if I would have done that. I want to think I would have….but like many people, I don’t honestly know that it would have ever crossed my mind to do it.
It’s sad to realize that about yourself, that you have become to desensitized to so much that someone in need may be seen as a burden rather than an opportunity to help. Of course I make donations here and there…give money for this, for that..blah blah blah, but it’s always far away…never in your face.
My point is, I thank you for writing this and hopefully it’ll help me open my eyes and pay more attention to what is in front of me, what i can see and do something about.
Thanks Brandon, I’ve had many things happen in my life that helped shape the way I think. If a person suffers through really hard times, it makes them more sensitive to things like this. We are all growing in a direction of narcissistic instant gratification and take our comfortable lives for granted. What you said about far away is something I think about often. I’m not so sure that giving to tons of charities makes someone good, especially when only 10% of the donation actually goes to the people it’s supposed to
I am so sorry that the people there acted that way. As a Christian I am offended by their actions. This story makes me so sad at the way we all treat each other. I am so proud of you for what you did for him.
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Hi Stacy, what I did is something I hope most people would do. Thanks for reading
That is the irony of Christianity, in most Christian denominations. It’s something that has always disgusted me, the view that there are two groups of people, and sub-groups (’trash’ etc), and although it is quite negative to see that occur, you made that man’s day by taking the time out to talk to him and that’s the only thing that matters. As for those who dismissed him as ‘trash’ they’ll eventually get their comeuppance in the end, and you shouldn’t stress about elitists like that.
The most amazing and enlightening stories aren’t those that are carefully edited and published by companies as books, they are the everyday insights that can change an entire outlook and offer perspective, empathy and growth.
By the way, glad you’re back
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Hello Ana! In my opinion, the Christians who judge others or see themselves as exalted or simply better are not all religious, but are using their faith as some kind of class distinction. When people identify themselves as being part of some mutually exclusive sect or even atheism are separating themselves from humanity rather than joining together with all.
Believe it or not, I received 3 comments from people who cursed me out and said this post was a crock of lies and bullshit. Well, it’s sad that some people don’t understand there really are good people out there who do the right thing. I would have published their comments had they chosen to intelligently criticize rather than curse.
Thanks so much, it feel good to be back
Fake Christians - that’s the plague of this world.
I’d love to shak