[Sniper]

Hey Gang,

I had the opportunity to give "Country" a ride home yesterday from Church. It was truly an eye-opening experience. For those of you who don't know, Country is a homeless man that attends our church in Durham. He lives in the woods behind a gas station. He is in church every Sunday when he can get a ride and he was even baptized on our land this year. He is partially disabled and unable to work or obtain a job. Like all of us, he has a past but he is not lazy or a conman, nor does he drink or do drugs. He is a prime example of how someone can slip through the cracks of society.

As I spoke with Country, I was amazed that he did not complain about his situation or feel sorry for himself. He actually said he felt blessed to be where he is today. Did you hear that? He said he felt blessed to live in a tent in the woods with no heat/AC and not knowing where his next meal would come from. His positive attitude amidst the dark circumstances of his life definitely made me reflect on my own ungratefulness. How can I complain about the luxuries in my life when Country feels blessed to live in a tent?

I helped carry his belongings to the tent, said goodbye and crossed back over into my world. Country walked down to the intersection to beg for money. Yes, he is "one of those people." This Christmas, remember those less fortunate than you and try not to judge those that are different. All of us have a story to tell.

Troy