Posts Tagged ‘shocked’

I just saw the movie “10 Questions for the Dailai Lama“.

I would like to ask each of you with a moment to comment – even short, did you know about what “Free Tibet” and the movement, and the history of what happened to the Tibetan people really meant?

After watching this, then researching I’m going to have to openly admit I had no idea what any of this meant. Right down to the “Boycott the Olympics” and the censorship happening via Google, Microsoft… etc.

Can you tell me? Please?

Do you know what has been happening there? In Tibet? To the people of Tibet?

I’m extremely shocked, embarrassed (that I didn’t pay attention), and a ton sad.

 

This weekend I did something I’ve never done before and it was huge for me. It has me constantly thinking and re-evaluating my beliefs and responses. I deserve to share here with the thought that if I do I won’t forget.

I served at a homeless shelter. Now I’ve heard of folks doing this type of service during the holidays. But there was no holiday just another saturday.

At first the person seemed to think I was simply there to donate food and go. But quickly he was ushering me to the kitchen to prepare sandwiches.

I only had a short period of time to serve but I walked to one of the volunteers and asked how many we were preparing for that night. Her response stopped me in my tracks – 500. I couldn’t breathe.

My eyes went to the door of the dining hall where folks were lining up and I realized there where children in the line. I held my breath as I looked around the dining hall and noticed the baby high chairs. I know she was talking to me but for that moment I stood in the spot I was in – in absolute shock.

I continued on with my quest of sandwich prep. But began wondering what my issue was. Surely I knew this. Didn’t I? Why was I so shocked.

I was shocked because I have not in my life truly looked around. Why wouldn’t I? These folks are around me and I made them invisible. Why?

When I left I got to put myself out there and hug some that where in line waiting to get fed. They smiled and gave me a hug and told me thank you. The hug from each was the best. I didn’t feel as if the thank you was mine except I at least made them smile and I don’t know when the last time was some of them had been given a hug by a stranger just because.

Suddenly I feel so small. Why can’t we feed these folks in a way they should be? How come its so simple to drive past someone that is obviously in need? Why didn’t I understand that the world truly has hunger? Why is this happening?

I suppopse if I felt it didn’t matter to me I could move on from this experience without doing something – but it matters to me that I’ve done so little in my life for those in need.

I won’t live my life as if it doesn’t matter anymore.

Love and light,

Monica