Sunday Morning at the Homeless Shelter

You can learn things if you don’t judge

I was lying on my bunk, listening as the other occupants of the shelter stirred in their bunks. The lights came on, and the security guys screamed. “ Rise and shine; we need those blankets.”

I was going to get a hot Breakfast

After I shaved, I went to the lobby to get a bowl of oatmeal and a cup of coffee. It was Sunday; I was going to get a hot breakfast, but I had to listen to a sermon first.

At first, I was bored

I had grown up in a Christian family. My grandfather was a Southern Baptist Minister. I was used to hearing fiery sermons, but I never heard one of those when I was homeless. The minister stood on the small stage and spoke in the simplest way possible. I was bored out of my mind, and I was critical of the minister’s speaking style.

I had to lighten up

“I’m not stupid.” I thought as I sat there irritated. I looked around, and I realized the minister had to speak in simple language. “There are all kinds of people here listening.” I thought as I lightened up and gave the minister a break.

All kinds of people are homeless

I knew that some homeless were not highly educated or well-read, but you would be surprised how many had Degrees and or suits and ties in their former lives.

The minister had to talk in simple language; he had to if he wanted to be understood by as many as possible. Once I understood that and got off my high horse, I listened to his sermon.

The sermons were good, yet simple

The sermon wasn’t much different from the sermons I grew up listening to. Once I had that epiphany, I could listen to the weekly sermons and get something from them.

My respect for the ministers grew as I listened to them. It had to be hard, standing up there preaching to a roomful of men who were there just because they wanted a hot breakfast.

They preached from the heart

They preached from the heart, and they preached the sensible doctrine that would help anyone who listened. I never again had a problem or thought ill of the ministers.

Empathy is a beautiful thing

The point is, don’t judge too harshly. Listen to what the person is saying and put yourself in their shoes. The ministers were doing the best they could do in front of a difficult audience.

Listen with an open mind and heart

Maybe if we all listened with more empathy and understanding, we could learn something and expand our way of looking at things. I have learned that an open heart and mind and the willingness to listen can open my horizons and make me a better person, and it will do the same thing for you.