Now I ask: Can we all just get along? Not just you and I, but the world. I don’t want to get into politics. I’d rather leave that up to Jeffery McNeil. But it seems like if we are not at war with someone, taking advantage of someone, or if people don’t think the way we think, the Republicans can’t rest until they go out and start a fight. They believe in using money for guns and bombs.
On the other hand, the Democrats are more likely to try and solve problems without being at war, respecting the way others think, settling things with understanding. They would rather use the money for poverty, health, helping another man who is less fortunate: I call that thinking and being in God’s Army.
Why am I saying all of this? Because last week, five of my fellow Street Sense vendors and I had the most rewarding experience of a lifetime. We had the opportunity to take students from Iraq to sell papers. I have to tell you, they came in not knowing anything about the paper, not knowing what to expect. But they did great! I would give them an A+. Each of us had a group of eight students. I called my group the “Fun Bunch.”
As you know, many Iraqis cover up with heavy clothes. It was sunny and 95 degrees, yet they stood out there for two hours, never complaining. They did not let the 20 “nos” to every one “yes” or any of the negative feedback bother them. They just smiled and said, “Have a blessed day.” My regular customers were very friendly.
The students were beautiful people. I was so grateful for them helping me but they seemed even more grateful for being able to have the opportunity to help me. They were much more aware of our living than some of us. Before we went out, our vendor manager Allen talked a little about Street Sense and our mission. He asked the group “who knows our first amendment?” Quickly the students answered, “freedom of speech.” He then asked what they thought the Number One cause of homelessness here might be. Their answers were thoughtful: “Education, lack of jobs, etc.” A lot of U.S. citizens would say “drugs.”
My eyes were opened to a lot of beautiful things about the Iraqi people that day, just the opposite of the things that were said about them in the news. It just goes to show you, it’s better to get things straight from the horse’s mouth. Really, we are spoiled here, even the poor, compared to them. Those students didn’t seem to value material things as much as love, friendship and loyalty.
That day taught me a real lesson and reminded me that if I can help someone, my living is not in vain. Please continue to pray for me that I will grow stronger everyday in my walk through life.
And just once again I will ask…CAN WE ALL JUST GET ALONG?
