I remember when we met in Vancouver you offered me bus fare. I am not sure I absolutely needed it or not, and was going to walk, which was several blocks down the street back from where I came on foot. I didn’t ask, I think you just offered it to make things easier. I waited for the next bus, you walked on. Then, when I got off at my stop, and you passed me on foot, I gave you my transfer, which I didn’t need and you could use. It was serendipitous...and i’ve had similar experiences where I could help. I too too like to stop and talk to people, whether I give them some money or have no money to give them.I was asked by persons in the church about responding to pan handlers on the street. I told them they had two options. They could give or not give a bit of money. I went on to say that the key thing was making eye contact and having respect for the person asking.
I have walked the streets of diverse cities in Canada. Along those walks I have met many hundreds of persons. No matter what their appearance, I see a human being just like me. When opportunity for service arises I respond out of my own memory of being homeless. The many times strangers reached into my life with kindness. Those acts of kindness, over time, inspired and encouraged me.
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