But every time I have the opportunity to interact with my extremely "poor" neighbors I come away realizing that what is needed most in our relationships is respect--respect that bumps hard up against the kindness of genuine friendship.
It happened again just yesterday.
The United Way of Metropolitan Dallas showed up with maybe a hundred volunteers to serve a "North Texas Giving Day" dinner. The music blared. Folks were dancing! The event chased hunger away for a few hours, as men, women and little ones filled up on a hot meal at the end of a chilly day. It looked like over 200 passed through the service line.
I decided to walk the line and simply welcome as many individuals as possible. By the time I had greeted 10 guests, it hit me again: people need respect, people need to be seen and acknowledged, people need to be the single focus of attention routinely.
As I shook hands, making my way down the line, smiles lit up. People re-positioned themselves so as not to miss my greeting and handshake. It was all very natural. Just an expression to guests that I was glad they came by and their various expressions of gratitude and a bit of surprise that anyone would care or should be grateful for their presence.
Many asked about our housing programs. [Get ready Bldg. 100--folks will be showing up today to get their names on the priority list!]
But mainly, we all enjoyed a few moments face-to-face with one another.
Respect carried the day.
