I watched The Voice ( which by the way is my new favorite show, and my voice teacher Audrey Holmes would have approved!) Watching CeeLo sing "Everyday People " got me to thinking.
I really do love people, just watching them. Mostly I adore people who are truly themselves, the elderly who are never afraid to speak their minds, young children when asked a question tell you the answer, and the street people in downtown ( and most everyone in between). I just adore being the observer, watching a little snippet of their life in a glance, a joyful step, in a carefree moment. And I always pray for them , being thankful for the little moment of joy and that their life's journey is safe.
Like some of the street people, ( this may sound silly) , but the way they dress. So free and full of self expression. When they have very little, you know that everything they have is a story. So beautiful that they wear their life on their sleeves.
Being a child of the 60's and 70's, I really believed all the songs about loving and caring and activism. Those songs went deep into my heart and are probably what fuels my beliefs and passion for others, the planet, and justice. And yes, I have the JFK Inaugural speech on a LP, and yes I still listen to it!
Actually the only "ugly" I have ever seen is prejudice and hate. Seen and been a victim of both. I remember being in Florida serving in a national relief organization, and watching my fellow volunteers treat some of the maid staff ( and each other) HORRIBLY. Like some people were less than, not human at all- with feelings and kids and all of the same worries. Still breaks my heart ,the bitterness, maybe that's why I haven't traveled with that organization again.
I have tried to teach my kids to see others as people, beautiful and valid. I think they do. My son, Mike is pursuing a life of giving of himself to service and he married a beautiful woman who is committed to the same. Makes me incredibly proud.
Maybe if we all spent a few moments just appreciating strangers, there would be no strangers anymore...........Everday People
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