The Power of the Homeless Man

Several years ago I was struggling with a painfully challenging time in my life. One particular day I happened to be driving slowly to a meeting, very depressed, lost in thought. I was in no hurry to arrive at my destination, as I was in no hurry to arrive at the next moment of my life. I had stopped at a busy intersection when after a few moments I heard, in a rather gruff voice, "Hey pal, didn't you hear me?" It took me a few seconds to come out of my stupor and comprehend what was happening. There was a homeless man by my open car window, looking for a handout. I usually keep a small container of loose change in my car for this purpose. I turned to the man and said, "Sorry, just a sec." I was in such a funk I couldn't find the container. I couldn't accomplish that one simple act.

At that moment I simply surrendered. I looked at the man and said, "I'm sorry. I just can't today." There was no judgment on my part, no hesitation. I simply was honest with him. Then the most extraordinary thing happened. Our eyes locked onto each other and he looked at me intensely for a moment. Then his face softened dramatically. He reached over and laid his hand on my arm resting in the open window. He gave me a small smile and gently nodded his head. He never said a word. But his actions spoke volumes. What they conveyed to me at that moment were, "That's okay. I understand. Sometimes life is like that."

The light changed and I pulled away. My sense of depression was gone and I felt tremendous joy and lightness. I drove for a few moments marveling at what had just transpired. I decided to circle back and thank him and give him money from my wallet. When I circled back he was nowhere to be found. I have told this story a few times and it has been suggested that perhaps he was an angel. I, personally, like to think that it wasn't the power of an angel that caused the change, but the power of a homeless man. He didn't offer me any platitudes, any spiritual rhetoric. He simply reached out and connected. He was fully present for me in that moment and I'd like to think that that is was precipitated the shift in me.

I do believe in angels. I also believe in the power inherent in all of us when we connect with another, truthfully and openly. It is the power of connection that heals, regardless if it's with an angel, another person, an animal, or any part of the natural world. What is created is a whole that is greater than the sum of the parts. I believe the challenge of these days is to be willing to risk that type of connection with each other. To risk being open and honest and being willing to risk reaching out.

Back to the Inspiration

Copyright Changing Times Gifts © 2003