Stereotyping and judgement...

Last night instead of sleeping, my mind reflected on the events of the day. There were a couple of things that stood out as rare glimpses of insight. I received an email from an unknown individual thanking me for writing the Observer article. This was definitely appreciated given the somewhat negative reaction the article received from others. In fact, earlier in the week I was asked to just stick with feeding the homeless because it was "safe." I'm just not a play it safe kind of gal. I am fortunate to have friends in the local media industry who have my back, however, I really don't take the criticism personally. After all, this mission isn't about me-it's about the homeless and it always has been :) Once again though, stereotypes are a factor in this equation...Of course total strangers found it necessary to advise me to take 6 homeless individuals back to my "Myers Park Mcmansion"-as if I am some rich snob preaching without the initiative to follow through. Again, I find these preset stereotypes interesting and if anything, it just strengthens my resolve. People's jaws often drop to the floor when I tell them that I do not generate a salary from Steele Creek Outreach. The reasoning behind this is that I don't need the money-and when you mix money with charity, you get corruption. Make no mistake about it, there are some CEO's becoming very wealthy over other people's misfortune. Additionally, I put my own money into the operation of our non-profit, that way, 100% of our donations go towards buying supplies for people in need. I think that the most important thing in life and in any endeavor is to remain real-without pretense. And since I am being real, I can say that I live in Steele Creek-not Myers Park, lol!

Later on in the afternoon yesterday, I had two different conversations about the perceptions and stereotypes of homelessness. These were actually pretty one sided conversations, mainly because I wasn't the one talking...I was listening to their point of view. Sweet, I didn't even speak my mind about the issue and they already had the same realization I have had for years. It just further solidifies that we can spread awareness and hopefully have an effect on people, one person at a time.

"When you finally begin to feel the pain of the world around you, you're not dying...you're finally starting to live." -Nichole