Don’t We All?

I love sharing this space on occasion with other writers who have a unique idea, experience or perspective which has universal appeal. Over the four year plus history of this blog, I have featured guest bloggers who write to my favorite themes: identity, family, and belonging. 

A few times, I have posted stories from one of my favorite spiritual teachers: Fr. Greg Sakowicz, Rector at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago. One such lesson, I Wish You Enough, was a dear moment that deeply resonated with many of you. Below, please enjoy another of Fr. Greg’s writings (excerpted from the Rector’s Weekly E-newsletter). 

As always, please feel free to share Fr. Greg’s writing with fellow humans who you think might benefit from his wisdom.

“I was parked in front of the mall wiping off my car. I had just come from the car wash and was waiting for my wife to get out of work. Coming my way from across the parking lot was a homeless man. From the looks of him, he had no car, no home, no clean clothes and no money. There are times when you feel generous but there are other times that you just don’t want to be bothered. This was one of those ‘don’t want to be bothered’ times. “I hope he doesn’t ask me for any money,” I thought. He didn’t. 

He came and sat on the curb in front of the bus stop, but he didn’t look like he could have enough money to even ride the bus. After a few minutes he spoke. “That’s a very pretty car.” He sat there quietly as I worked. The expected plea for money never came. As the silence between us widened, something inside said, “ask him if he needs any help.” I was sure that he would say yes, but I held true to the inner voice. “Do you need any help?” I asked. He answered in three simple but profound words that I will never forget. 

We often look for wisdom in great men and women. We expect it from those of higher learning and accomplishments. I expected nothing but an outstretched, grimy hand. He spoke three words that shook me. “Don’t we all?” he said. I was feeling high and mighty, successful, and important, above a homeless man in the street, until those three words hit me hard. Don’t we all? I needed help. Maybe not for bus fare or a place to sleep, but I needed help. I reached into my wallet and gave him not only enough for bus fare, but enough to get a warm meal and shelter for the day. 

Those three little words still ring true. No matter how much you have, no matter how much you have accomplished, you need help too. No matter how little you have, no matter how loaded you are with problems, even without money or a place to sleep, you may see someone that appears to have it all. They are waiting on you to give them what they don’t have. A different perspective on life, a glimpse at something beautiful, a respite from daily chaos, that only you through a torn world can see. Maybe he was more than that. Maybe he was sent by a power that is great and wise, to minister to a soul too comfortable in himself. Maybe God looked down, called an Angel, dressed him in tattered clothing, then said, “Go minister to that man cleaning the car, that man needs help.” 

Don’t we all?” 

News & Events

Thanks for following me!! Here’s a free listen to the first chapter of my audiobook. Feel free to share with a friend who might like a taste of my adoption search story.

On September 10th, I will be at the Printer’s Row LitFest (sponsored by the Chicago Writer’s Association). I will be signing and selling my award-winning memoir, Twice a Daughter from 10-12 in the morning. Hope to see you there… I’ll have some fun giveaways!

My interview with British podcaster Jo Blackwell, The Midlife Movement, is live here. Blackwell’s quest to interview women at the midpoint of life has produced heart-warming stories and lessons.

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