Focus On The Good

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Focus on the good, not the bad!

Look for the good in others, not just the wrongs they've done.

As Bryan Stevenson says, "Each of us is more than the worst thing we've ever done". I have tried to live this way, but admittedly, have not always succeeded. I have tried to not dwell on the worst, to not let them ruminate in my head. I have tried to forgive, to see unchartered potential and help people redeem those worst moments into something good, something redemptive, something that can bring healing and hope into this world.

I've spent over 2 decades working with those experiencing homelessness, where most people I encounter are labelled or judged negatively. They are called and deemed crackheads, bums, criminals, thugs, and the like. Sometimes that's all they hear. Sometimes that's all we want to see. What saddens me is, that when we focus on the negative, it tells people they are worthless and they struggle to see their own worthiness. When we focus on negativity, we also miss out on witnessing glorious displays of beauty, gifts, talents, and compassion.

Look for the good, and you will find it, there is so much beauty out there; you will find compassion, forgiveness, peace-makers, leaders, organizers, case managers, cooks, artists, musicians, preachers, faithful workers, and so forth. When you look, you will find some of the most loving and generous people you'll ever meet.

One cold wintry evening in Chicago I brought an old fragile man into the shelter. I doubt he would have survived many more nights on the street. What amazed me was what I saw when he came in, the beauty and compassion of those who were also struggling with homelessness and their own jaded histories. I saw some giving what little they had to offer, others cooking him a meal, and others making and setting up his bed. They took the time to make sure he felt welcome, safe, and part of their community - it was truly beautiful. 

Focus on the good. Notice their gifts and talents. See their beauty.

We need to let people know we see them, the good they do, the gifts and talents they have, and what they have to offer. It will open doors. it will bring change. It brings healing. It brings hope!


This photo is of Frenchie, who I was able to bring in out of the cold, who was the recipient of much love. He went on to live a few more years - at CCO and in Friendly Towers until he passed away. May he Rest In Peace ❤️❤️❤️


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