What do you do?

That's right: I'm soliciting opinions. Or venting... I guess the difference depends upon whether you reply.

So this is a "What do you do?" scenario of the homeless person variety. Only...the person isn't a stranger. Not completely, at least.

There's a gentleman who attends my church who is, evidently, homeless. I've seen him twice now, at two different Metro stations near my apartment. Both times, just seeing him has bothered me pretty significantly, and I've found myself speechless. Those who know me know that while I may be quiet sometimes, I'm rarely speechless. I just don't know what, if anything, to do in this scenario. Should he recognize me (and even if he doesn't), I don't want to be the person who just ignores another person or, worse, nods but keeps walking. I suppose a quick greeting couldn't hurt, but it doesn't seem like enough.

Now, I don't know how to define what "enough" could be in this scenario: if I did, I wouldn't be conflicted. I know I can't take this man out of his life situation. I will certainly pray that his life situation gets better, in whatever way is most appropriate for him. It's the conflict between societal norms and social consciousness, though, that's giving me trouble. (Again.)

As always, any thoughts would be most sincerely appreciated. 


<3 KSM

Church and faith.

Sometimes when I go to church, it makes me feel guilty. I know it shouldn't be that way, and I know it's self-inflicted. Still, it's there. I absolutely love my new church and everyone I've met there: don't let that be mistaken. Actually, I'm sure they're the ones who have inspired me to fix this problem. The remedy is relatively obvious: I need to live a more faithful life every day, in all aspects of my life. The doing, however, is the hard part. But I guess it all comes around to faith: the more you give, the more you get. 

Credit: Kimberly S. Meyer

I'm not sure church and faith have any sort of a chicken-and-egg relationship, but what others think about that idea has always fascinated me. It probably doesn't matter what others think about it, sort of like the "God doesn't care what I wear" mindset of choosing what is appropriate church dress, but it's interesting to me nonetheless.

For now, off to church. Maybe I'll learn more about this elusive balance there today?

<3 KSM