Homeless = Worthless?

I'm quite perturbed by something I just witnessed downstairs in the cafe. A man who (for all intents and purposes) was homeless asked a guy if he'd buy him breakfast b/c he was hungry, etc. The guy (I assume) said no (which is his right..) and went on his merry way (or so I thought). I said to myself, "I'm going to buy this man breakfast b/c it's just the right thing to do." I'm the type of woman that blesses those who are less fortunate b/c I very well could end up in the same boat and I'd want someone to help me. Well before I could even ask if the man needed anything, the SECURITY guard shows up. Now if you're a frequent visitor to my blog, you know the security here is a joke. But I digress... Anyhow apparently the guy who was just SO appalled by this homeless man (and I don't mean a smelly, dirty, homeless person either...) asking him for a meal went down stairs to alert security of the 'threat' upstairs in the cafe. The security TEAM comes barging in and asks the man "can we help you with something?" (I'm thinking...no shit Sherlock, the man is starving...of course you can help) The man says "no, I'm waiting on my friend." A woman steps out front and says "Yeah right, we heard you were up here begging for money and we can't have you threatening our people." (I frown...like are they serious?!?! To make matters worse, they are attempting to embarrass this man as if asking for someone to buy him a meal isn't enough) The man says "No ma'am I'm waiting on my friend...he works here." (I'm thinking, God I hope you send him a friend b/c if not they are going to really try and do something to this homeless man...God is good though...) The woman asks "Where is this friend?" (as if to say...you're a liar...and you know it) The man points, "Right there..." he says. Sure enough a guy finishes his transaction and comes over to where they are making this huge unnecessary scene and the posse asks, "Do you know this *insert pause and up and down look here* man?" The friend answers "Well no, but he was in need of breakfast so I offered to buy it for him." The woman says "Well sir, that's nice and all *all while her face is all scrunched up* but you can't feed these people here...b/c if you do, they'll come back like animals. You know how if you feed a stray dog they show up the next day? Kinda like that." (By now I'm near tears b/c I can't believe how this woman is tearing this already torn down man even further down) The friend answers "Well I'll take my chances. It's a shame how some people have no regard for another human being." He then takes the homeless man by the arm and leads him to the grill where he proceeds to order...God must know me and my big mouth really well b/c he put ME and the Security Posse in the elevator together on the way down. I can be a real asshole when I need to be, so I pick up my phone to call my imaginary friend and I say "You know...I just witnessed the most disgusting shit I've ever encountered in my life." I said, "It's funny how people get a job making $10 per hour and lose all sense of decency. It's people who are one paycheck from living on the streets who adopt this elitist 'I'm better than you' demeanor." I said, "I'd sure hate to see what would happen if someone ELSE lost THEIR job." I proceed to tell my fake phone callee the story while the posse (mainly the ring leader) squirms. I'm sure they are thinking, "dammit can we get to the lobby please!???!" I didn't care...and it probably wasn't the right way to handle it, but I was hurting FOR that man.

Now, I know the guards have a job to do (and I say that shit loosely) and I'm in no way disputing the fact that they had to at least confront the man b/c he DID break a city ordinance. (or whatever) My issue lies with the WAY it was done. Why do people think that homeless = beneath you? I mean I get irritated when I'm being harassed by a homeless person who calls me a bitch b/c I REALLY don't have the $0.75 they need. Or I see the homeless person I gave a few dollars to walk into the store and come out with a beer. That shit frustrates me too...but that doesn't make me any better than they are? Seriously... People better wake up and realize that:

1. Just b/c you have a job today...doesn't mean you'll have one tomorrow. What does that mean? Just b/c you have a roof over your head and food in the cupboards...doesn't mean it'll be there next week.

2. You NEVER know who you can bless...if you see a mother sitting on a bench with her kids, don't walk by with your nose turned up when she asks you to pray for her or for help. For those of you who know God, you know His power. They very well could be sent by God JUST to see if you practice what you preach. I firmly believe in making room for bigger blessings...and when you bless someone watch it come RIGHT back to you. It works the other way too...you step on someone when they are down...watch it come RIGHT back to you.

I'm guilty of some of the things above, but today made me really realize just how blessed I am and how much more I can help other people. If I can go out and spend $100 on ONE meal, surely I can spare $1 to donate to a homeless shelter. If I can cook enough food for 12 people when only 4 are in my home...surely I can get my butt outta the bed on the weekends and feed other people. *sigh* Let's really put into practice what this season is about people...it really IS better to give than to receive.

G'Day Folks,

Lady Doss