Someone Else's Shoes

Sometimes you actually have to experience something before it becomes real to you. Sometimes just having someone tell you about something isn't good enough.

I had to complete an assignment for one of my classes where I had to go eat a meal at Urban Ministries in Greensboro with a friend from my class. Urban Ministries is an outreach ministry that provides meals, food, clothing, housing, and emergency assistance. Both my friend and I were nervous about having to do this assignment because we knew we were going to feel uncomfortable and we weren't really sure what to expect. We first had to walk there from near UNCG. We got to an intersection on Lee St. and noticed a building with an Urban Ministries plaque on it, and we also noticed a very large congregation of people clustered near this building and the gas station close by. We opted to cross over to the other side of the street, walk up, and cross back over further up, so we could avoid having to walk through this clustering of people. Once we crossed the street, there was a brief moment of panic (at least for me) , before we noticed a security guard standing at a building entrance, like a saving light, and we made a beeline for him. He was so helpful directing us towards where we needed to go to wait in line for the meal, and told us we could tell the security guard at the door there that he sent us. With eyes staring, we made our way to a brick wall and securely planted ourselves against it, not making eye contact with anyone. We stuck out like a sore thumb. There was one other female, we were 2 of 3 white people, and the only individuals in our age group. There was yelling, cussing, smoking, and some rough looking individuals. Faces that lacked hope. The gentleman in front of us tried to start some conversation, but he could tell we weren't comfortable chatting. A gentleman behind us yelled out 'Y'all look so sad!' Little did he know we were just doing our best to look as inconspicuous as possible. The line started moving and we made our way inside, 15 at a time. We got our drinks, 12 at a time, and were then directed to fill in seats with plates waiting. The gentleman sitting across from my friend was not at all interested in chatting; he plugged his cell phone into the wall, opened up his magazine, and slowly began to eat. The gentleman across from me was the same one who had tried to start a conversation earlier; he stuck to asking me about Kitty Hawk written on my t-shirt and wishing us a Happy St. Patrick's Day. The food was good- grilled chicken, baked beans, cornbread, salad, and a cupcake. We ate and I observed everyone filling in the seats around us; most of them were black, male, and over 30. There was a smattering of females, whites, and younger people in their 20's, but no children. It intrigued me that I noticed at least 3 individuals with cell phones. It was also evident that many carried all they owned in sacks or bags with them. The volunteers were efficient and quick at their jobs, cleaning up, restocking silver ware, and directing people to tables. We took about 10 minutes to eat our meal before leaving, breathing an inward sigh of relief.

Sometimes you have to actually experience something before it becomes real to you. Sometimes these experiences are uncomfortable. Put yourself in someone else's shoes for a moment. Go outside your comfort zone to experience someone else's reality. The plight of another will become so much more real to you, and I think you just might want to do something about it. In the least, you will have more compassion and understanding for others.

http://www.greensborourbanministry.org/

Report: Triad Has Two of Five Hungriest Cities in U.S.

http://www.hungernwnc.org/news-and-events/Goodwill%20locations.html (Goodwill Food Drop-Off locations in NC; there are 4 in Greensboro)