Last winter I told you about a woman who lives on a street near my home.  I see her often when I drive by.  Everything she has  - all her precious posessions - are in her shopping cart , and she reclines or sleeps on a bus bench or curb in front of a local greasy spoon.

Just before Christmas while running,  last year I came upon her for the first time while on foot.  It  was cold out and I remembered that I had just refilled my shoe pocket with some cash.  As I ran past her I heard my internal voice: "Yes, or no?"  "She's probably an alcoholic and she'll just spend the money on booze."  "She's probably chosen this lifestyle and really would prefer to be left alone."  "She probably earns more than I do panhandling on the street...why doesn't she clean up and get a job?"  Are these voices famiiar to you?

It was Christmas. A time of year when miraculously, we all "get charity" in our hearts.  

I stopped and pulled out a five dollar bill, ran back and handed it to her.  "Merry Christmas," I said.  "God bless you."

She looked up at me and said "Oh - a flying angel!  You scared me!"

It's been more than 6 months now, but I saw her again this week as I ran that same route.  This time I did not hesitate.  I pulled out the one dollar bills remaining in my shoe pocket and handed them to her as I passed.

"Oh, my angel - I knew some day you'd come back!"  I held her hand for a moment and squeezed, sending all the love and kindness I could through my embrace.  You are a human being, I thought - you are a human being just like me.  There but for the grace of God go I.

I am not what you would call a religious person.  But there is one thing I know.  We are all one humanity.  We build up defenses and fears of each other - indeed we are encouraged to do so by our institutions.  Yes, some of those fears are real--there are a lot of maniacs out there - products of a dysfunctional society that grows mental illness and societal alienation like a fungus.  But fundamentally, we are all one.  When we cease to feel each other's pain and continue to identify with our own, we can no longer truly be called human...we become nothing but a bunch of scared animals.

Here's my dream.  I want to start a group called The Flying Angels...a group of runners who do charity runs  for the homeless of Los Angeles.  I have no idea how to start such a thing, but I know that I have to do it.  If you know anyone that can help me, please contact me through Traxee.

Maybe it's not possible for an angel to fly too close to the ground.

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Tags: charity runs, homeless, spirit, benefit, charity, angels

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It's strange. It seems that when we put something out there and focus on making it happen with all of our intent...the most amazing things really do happen. I don't know how to make this happen right now...or even where to find the time...but I know some how, it will. Posted by: bmoore on Jul 14, 2008 at 10:48 PM

This is amazing, so I am quoting you on it "When we cease to feel each other's pain and continue to identify with our own, we can no longer truly be called human...we become nothing but a bunch of scared animals." B.Moore This is truly beautiful and I hope we may all be able to help your dream, humanities dream, come true. Love & Light, ~Karen Posted by: Karen on Jul 11, 2008 at 04:07 PM

Oh, I love your story..I have never really encountered someone more than once, and if I did neither of us recognized the other. I will look in to this as well. Posted by: KDface on Jul 11, 2008 at 03:54 PM

Oh, I will see what I can find as well...love the story. Posted by: Sarah on Jul 11, 2008 at 03:08 PM

Yeah...now that you mention it, I do remember (your) post on that. I must have internalized it! I am putting this out there to see what and who comes my way to help. This situation is just not right. Posted by: bmoore on Jul 11, 2008 at 10:18 AM

Looking into it right now B! AMazing story. Yes, all those questions run in my head as well. Remember the post we did on the woman in NYC that started running groups for the homeless? I will take the time today to see what I can find out. If any of you other ladies have ideas or suggestions...don't hesitate to make your voice heard. Posted by: Betty on Jul 11, 2008 at 09:38 AM