Tomorrow I will have a whole bunch of photos from Manila.
I have not been ready to write about it yet anyway…but the photos will be a push to get me to finish writing it all down…or at least to begin. I feel weird since I got home…in ways I can’t explain. I saw things that I will never be able to erase from my soul…things that I can not allow to NOT change the course of my life. I saw their eyes…I saw their souls……I saw the dark sewer that is drowning them, chaining them, trapping them, tricking them…..I saw the way that people are disgusted by the sewer and so do not see the soul drowning in it…they just look away.
But something happened tonight that showed me just how much of a shift in perception and heart I had there….something really happened to me there. A big cracking open and a huge healing up…..I am different. I feel whole….more whole….I feel expanded and smooshed all at the same time. Cracked and glued back together.
But tonight…
I had to drive my daughter out in the bitter cold. I was at a bookstore in a town I usually don’t go to. My daughter had an event that lasted a few hours, and rather than take her there and drive the long way home…I decided to stay and wait until she was done…so I found a bookstore….got a warm drink…gathered a few books and sat down for a few minutes of solitude.
I was reading a book about art.
A big tall bearded man, clearly homeless (or so it seemed)…walked up to me and asked me if I was an artist. He was disheveled…hairy….not very clean….in old military clothing and very tall and large. He talked really loud. Everyone in the bookstore could hear him. He just walked right up to me like he knew me. He started talking to me before he even got over to me…maybe 5 or 6 feet away from me…he just looked at me and started talking and headed toward me.
Normally this would have frightened me or made me feel uncomfortable. I would have made a reason to get up and leave quickly….. but I didn’t. I didn’t even think about it.
I thought about all of the people in Manila that I sat and talked with on the streets…people who, at home…I would have walked past because of social stigmas or because I was afraid……but I thought about how it was natural there to want to be with them and help…and how when I looked…I saw them….and how their souls ached…how they felt invisible and forgotten and less-than. Actually, as I was talking to this man….I didn’t even think about all of that until after he left…I didn’t really have to…it was easy what happened with him…
I just looked into his eyes.
That is what I learned in Manila….that those girls in the streets and the bars and the brothels…….no one really looks into their eyes…just at their bodies. Same with the pimps…they are hurting too.
We need to look into each other’s eyes. Seriously. When did we stop doing that, anyway?
I looked into his eyes. They were kind. He just wanted someone to talk to. He told me he was also an artist. He took his coat off and showed me all of his tattoos. He designed them and had someone put them on him. I asked him to sit down.
He sang me a song that he wrote, right there in the bookstore. It was a song about how he gave up whisky and wine. He told me that sometimes he sings it on open mic night hoping it will help someone out. His hands shook erratically while he spoke…back and forth…not like he was jittery….like there was something in his muscles that he just can’t control. He quoted verses of scripture that keep him going. He told me that when he was in the military, he got a head injury…and now he lives in a home for the mentally ill, where he feels like he is going more crazy. (and this is where I had to swallow the big lump in my throat…thinking about my husband’s head injury and how easily this could have been HIM)
He told me about the music he likes…and how he likes to write songs. He asked me if he could sing me another one of his songs.
He told me that he has had a few ladies in his life, but none stay very long. He told me he is too old for that now anyway. He told me he likes to read books and learn as much as he can. He told me that he has some inventions up his sleeve that he is going to make happen someday.
I don’t know why I would have walked away from him before I went on this trip. Fear, I guess. I could feel others staring over at me as I spoke with him…I realized that I wasn’t even embarrassed and I didn’t even care what anyone in that bookstore thought……even though he had a really loud voice…and talked a lot like a child. I really just wanted to hug him. Sometimes he sounded a little bit paranoid and erratic. But…really….he was just a guy…a soul. He had a rough life and now he is alone. When we started talking…he was really just like me in so many ways…and just like you. He just wants to be seen, understood, accepted, loved, heard.
He really was so kind. He gave me 15 minutes of his time…maybe it was longer. I feel better for it. I would have missed out big time if I would have walked away…looked away….turned away. When we parted ways he took my hand and said “God Bless you, Melody.” And I said “God Bless YOU, Steve” …..I will never forget him.
So……..really….I am so done looking away, turning away, walking away.
That is what I brought back from Manila.
(and I can’t wait to begin to tell you the stories of all of the days we spend there)
Love and love and love and love and love.
And then love some more.
Please. 🙂 (for all of us)
Thank you for listening to ME…it means a lot.
xoxo
melody
p.s.
I see you, Melody. I hear you.
And I am so very grateful … for your words, for your lessons, for your art, for your heart, for your kindness, for your beauty, for your compassion. But most of all … for your love. God bless you, lovely brave girl. ♥
Thank you, Melody, for teaching me something my soul and heart already knew but that my head did not. I will not look away any more and I will be better for it. And I hope the souls whose eyes I look into are better for it, too.
Thank you for being such a bright light, Melody. <3
…..just more evidence that you are truly one of God’s angels on earth Melody. You REALLY ARE! Love you! xoxooo
Yes, YOU REALLY are good at listening…. Wow!!
Wow.
What a beautiful moment of humanity Melody. I have been trying to do that too. Look into people’s eyes. It’s definitely hard sometimes as women…to not feel afraid. But it’s brave to be there. And listen.
You probably have lifted him in so many ways, as he has lifted you.
Love this. Love always. Love heals.
Absolutely beautiful LOVE for humanity. I just didn’t think I could love and admire you any more than I already do and I do, I really truly do. You are a beautiful soul and I thank you from my heart and soul for sharing your gifts, light and courage. XOXOXO P.S. – Thank you for being brave and sharing your stories.
Melody…I have experienced something very similar before…about the man…but it was a homeless woman who thanked me for treating her like a human…I think it’s a wonderful gift you gave to that man and I’m sure he’s better for it just as you were blessed by that encounter…it reminds me of that song “Jesus in Disguise”. I also love what you are doing for those young ladies…I always tell my husband that I wish we could do something to help those young souls being abused…I commend you for actually doing something…you are doing something BIG…so BIG that you will never be able to see the ends of it!! May the Lord keep blessing you in what you are doing!
Again, this is why I love you! You are so special for so many reasons!!!
I love this so much! I am not looking away any more either. I am going to be brave. There are so many souls who need someone to see them, to hear them, to listen to them and to love them. Thank you.
What a beautiful story!!! God Bless you Melody!
once again we have similar experiences, today I went somewhere for a quick lunch, somewhere I never go, there was a man, who smelled ripe wearing a raggedy suit, but a suit, he greeted me and while I waited he told me a few stories, at times it was hard to follow, and when my lunch arrived he thanked me for the time. It was truly an interesting 15 mins. And Yes, I listened and I need to listen more.. thank you for sharing how you stopped and didn’t care and listened with your heart. loves
Ive had people turn away from me a lot. It hurts. But I know they are not strong enough yet. I hope your message encourages many to stop turning away. To face the person, to look into their eyes and to listen and hold out a hand of comfort. Thank you Melody for being a great example of what can happen when you stop turning away. I cannot wait to meet you. xxx
Bless you AND Steve!
TFS
I love that you said he was a soul. All of these sweet seemingly wandering souls graciously thank you for your time, for listening. How truly humble. We should all follow that example more. My mother always gave money to homeless people or even panhandlers. She just said, “they could be Jesus” and “what they did with the money was between God and them, none of my business”.
This is a wonderful reminder. I love how aware you are Melody of the lessons, the messages and messengers all around you. It’s a gift and we are lucky that you are so generous with it. There is so much power in listening and giving a little of your time to a soul.
You go girl! I’m so proud of you!!!
Love love love love!!! <3
Wow Melody, thank you for sharing this beautiful story! It’s so funny…I had a similar experience happen this week. I’m a college student, and one of my part time jobs is to work in the Human Resources department of the college. I greet students and help them find more info on the work study program. It means a lot for me to be able to bless other students in this way because last year I struggled for several months looking for a job. I can relate to the struggle and desperation I see in the students around me. A lot of them are just getting on their feet, are jobless, and trying to build a better future.
Anyway, last week a man came in who looked much like how you described Steve. He was older, could have been homeless, and his body would twitch once in a while involuntarily. He asked me about the work study program, so I led him to the computers and and showed him how to apply for work. He seemed to have a lot of questions. I was a little uncomfortable with his apparent twitching and shabby appearance. I wondered what the other employees and students would think of me if I kept talking to him. But, like you, I felt this nudging to be patient and answer his questions with kindness. I did, and when we were through, he thanked me, and I went back to work. In the moment, I thought nothing of it.
Then, about an hour later, he poked his head into the office, and presented me with a present. It was a beautiful tiny sculpture of a flower he had made out of playdough! I was so surprised and touched. He simply said, “I make a habit of saying ‘thank you’ to those who help me.”
Isn’t that beautiful? The gesture may have seemed small, but I was reminded that even the most unlikely person has a soul that needs love, and, in this man’s case, he returned that kindness through a beauty all his own!
no matter who we are, where we come from, what our story is…we are all the same…every person on this earth just wants to be seen, heard and validated. Let us all remember that…
that man will remember your kindness until the day he leaves this earth…
Thanks for the inspiration. You get it right. :O)
Hi Melody… what a truly touching story! I’m always talking with strangers even if it’s a simple hello how are you moment… each one of us has a story to tell… we just need the listening and kind heart of someone to listen to these stories. My children always look at me strange but it’s who I am and how I want to be… and I really try hard to instil in them that not all strangers are “bad” or “dangerous”. One needs to show some awareness and caution obviously but for the most part it’s just like your story in the library.
You are an angel and I look forward to hearing more about your Manila tales…
take care – have a blessed day filled with creativity and inspiration
Your eyes and heart are open to see where God is working – and you are joining Him there. It is a great place to be 🙂
Wow !!!!!
Thanks, thank you for reminding me that I am just okay the way I am..that it is okay to take time out and listen and see the soul of others and hear what they have to say. Thanks for reminding that loving someone is also listening to what others have to say. In the world I was raised there were no social stigmas..and I am so glad I am getting back to that. Love is the key..no matter what has happened to us and who we are in life. You are doing awesome work..
Melody, You are truly a special person and so thankful that you share these stories! You inspire me! THANK YOU!!
Travels is so what the doctor ordered for those that ask the burning questions about their fello man. I never appreciated how lucky I was until I traveled, or how shackled I am by my culture until I lived in another.
Great stuff!
YOU are making us all proud to be a part of your life.
Oh wow, this is so sweet and kind, I love it and I think about the times I too, have been afraid and maybe not given someone the time or walked away, in fear. But in fear of what?! Probably what others “think”. Something I’m trying to change….so proud of you for being such a kind soul, I’m sure it made the world to him too.
Your story made my heart smile. Thank you for sharing!
Melody xxx Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
Thank you Melody your kindness and love ….is truly a gift and I know you say and do these things because it is your truth …..because it is your highest truth, a life force that just flows through your authentic soul xxx Bless you for sharing it makes all of our souls grow bigger and shine brighter xxx Love you to pieces xx
That made me cry so hard….I love the moment when we can just be humans helping humans. I needed to be reminded…thank you.
It’s like you are now seeing people through the eyes of Jesus! I have wanted to meet you for so long and to look into your eyes. Some day.
This is so beautiful Melody and reminded me of a speaker we had where I work last year (I work at a seminary). He spoke about prayer and he said for him, prayer is the act of listening and really seeing a person. Taking the time to be with them and only them, looking into their eyes and hearing their words. I would have never though of that act as being a form of prayer but I really do now, and it sounds like you had a really wonderful prayer with that gentleman. 🙂
I love this beyond words. I’m so grateful for you, Melody, and the wonderful example you are of how to love and live.
Please forgive me first because I don’t write well but, I read your words and they touched my soul. I am a mother of a homeless mentally ill son.Something happened between 18 and 20 where he assumed a different reality. He is a kind and precious soul and each day I worry about him. My son is 25 years old but likens to a 12 year old. He chooses to live this way for reasons I can not understand, reasons my heart can not accept. He is likely given a chance to talk to anyone who will listen about fun things he remembers from childhood and things like super heroes. At first glance looking at him you would likely see a tall disheveled black male and maybe be afraid, but if anyone taking a moment to look him in the eyes would quickly notice a kind, precious childlike person with an amazing gentle spirit. I pray for him everyday, every moment. Today after reading your story, I will pray that anyone coming across his pass would simply look him in the eye and see him for who he really is, who we all are a but beautiful child of God.
Thank You for sharing this story.
Oh Melody, this is love in action, this is what infinite love is about. So beautiful… Thank u for this reminder, … Xo
wow. that’s such a powerful message. listening is the best gift anyone can give, and the gift you gave this fellow is probably the first one he’d had in a long long time. you’ve really given me something to think about. thanks.
God Bless YOU Melody, this touched my heart in so many ways…so glad this was the first thing I read this morning as I know it will make by day better!
wow!
I am crying….How beautiful….
<3 ~ Everyday I read something you have posted, it touches my soul! You have so much to teach, your inspiration is everywhere, in every word, and I could only aspire to be a fraction of the person that you are! You are such a compelling, compassionate, BRAVE GIRL!
Thank you for sharing this story, Melody. Yesterday, as my friend and I drove through Star, I was wishing I could spend some time with you. I think Steve needed it more, though. I am glad he had the opportunity to meet you and receive what you so freely give, and that you had the opportunity to meet him and recognize your own growth. I am sure neither of you will ever forget and will be grateful for your meeting. These past six months have been a time of tremendous growth for me, I have learned SO so much about myself, can’t wait to share with you. I hope we can get together the next time I’m in the area. I know I am only one of thousands who count knowing you among my greatest blessings!
Mel, have you read “Dangerous Surrender” by Kay Warren?
It exactly describes what you are experiencing and how it has changed everything. There is a term she uses, “Gloriously Ruined” and that you now you, my sweet friend.
If you have not read it, email or text me and I will send it!
Love you and your love in action.
“My children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action” 1 John 3:18
You are a shining example to all of us and a ray of hope for those girls!
oh my goodness… I didn’t think I would need to put a box of Kleenex next to my computer, but I guess I will…. this really touched my heart… you see, this fellow is much like my own brother… who was also in the Military. He was a big guy with a booming voice too…this sure brought back memories,,,, thanks for treating him with such kindness and love…
Melody… there is a Latin phrase for women like you…it is “pulla mira” and it translates to “chick who rocks” or “she who is astonishing”.
All I can say is you are astonishing and I admire you greatly…..
xoxoxo Nancy
Beautiful Melody, we can all learn from this!!! THANK YOU!!! He was your Angel for the evening and you were his 🙂
Tears are streaming down. I needed to read this today Melody. Thank you for reminding me that we are all God’s children and that each of us matters to Him. We can be the love of Christ. You clearly demonstrated that. Thank you for sharing. I can’t wait to read about Manila.
You are an inspiration…. I loved how you said ” He gave me 15 minutes of his time” .. out of your whole story, that struck me the most… you made him important in that statement…
Loved your story, one work morning I stopped to buy a coffee and ended up buying a coffee & muffin for a native man who had slept in the park all nigh,t it was winter and he was very cold. He asked me to sit down with him but I had to go to work. He shook my hand and introduced himself and thanked me. My biggest regret was not taking 10 min to sit and visit with him. You are right its like you are looking into their souls when you look in their eyes. If I brush the street people off it ruins my day!
Your post to day inspired me, really inspired me. You are made of pure LOVE, as is Steve. You reminded me to look past the smallness of my fear, to look deep into the eyes of “the other” and see their God self, our connection, the pure love we are all made of. Thank you!
You are a brave girl! We all learn together! THANK YOU for the inspiration!
Thank you Melody, for listening to Steve…
for listening-period.
Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful story. You are so right we are all souls (God’s children) and everyone is so very important. Thank you for reminding me to always look into a persons eyes each one of us have a story and everyone is important.
Thank you Melody! Thank you for reminding of why I do what I do. I am a Chaplain and I have always looked in people’s eyes. . .not their clothes, not how clean they are, not how undernourished the are, not if they are speaking out of place or saying something that we think is socially unacceptable. . . I also listen, what do they value, what does this human being care about, what does he or she need from me, what can I do for them. . . And you know what, most of the time it is not what I do or give to them, it’s about what I receive from them. . .that they give me a little piece of themselves: a word, a thought, a story, a hug, a touch. . . . .
You are brave. And beautiful. And inspiring. Love love love love love to you.
Thanks for this, so moving, so truth, so inspiring.
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’
Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’
And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'”
(Matthew 25.35-40)
I love you Melody <3
this is an absolutely beautiful story Melody. I have tears in my eyes, tears for Steve and tears for you. You are such an angel. I bet you made Steve feel better than he has in years. I want to have a big heart like you. I do continue to learn from you Melody. You are doing God’s work just like he planned for you.
Love you girl, love your spirit, love your heart and love your truth.
I can only say that this was a beautiful experience and sharing your journey with everyone has truly shown the simplicity of your heart Melody Ross. Thank for sharing and for giving a glimpse of your time in Manila.
Blessings,
Elizabeth Aviles
Lovely. I often work with prisoners at my nursing job. I always speak to both them and the guards, making an attempt to make eye contact with what I know is a wounded soul. The kindness of a stranger ripples out like a drop of water.
Cheers,
Bev
What an amazing 15 minutes for you both. Love, acknowledgement, understanding and all that goodness flows out into the world. xox
Beautiful story. May we all be brave to listen and connect with others everyday. We will learn so much.
I could not stop crying as I read this. Beautiful, cleansing, clearing tears of joy. FINALLY tears. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your beautiful example of how to treat another at an oh so very basic level that so many of us have forgotten. I say forgotten because I think all of us as children did look each other in the eyes before we were scared by “stranger danger”. Very recently I have been urged & moved to do something for the homeless and your story opened up that urging for me (hence the tears I’m sure). Namaste
For those who can not travel to far away places to have this experience the best way to look into others eyes is to work at a soup kitchen. I know my 6 years working there really opened my heart. And found some of the most loving and greatful people I know. Even had my husband and children share in this experience. It can change lives. Thanks for sharing Melody.
The eyes of our souls only then begin to see, when our bodily eyes are closing ~Law.
Thank you Melody for sharing this.
Grateful for your experiences to see the other’s otherness and share in hospitality’s liberating power of reconciliation. Thank you Melody. What an inspiration!
Tom
Your story brought tears to my eyes… for the times that I have listened, and grown so much for it, and then the times I have run away in fear and been the poorer for it. Thank you for the reminder that we are ALL souls inside these bodies!!
I don’t know what to say? I just know that I learn and strive everyday to follow my truth and what my truth teller tells me. You and Kathy have taught me things that have made a difference in my life. I want to see everyone through the eyes of love, without judgement. The story of you and Steve in the bookstore is just a reaffirmation of the power of spirit and what we can do through the eyes of love. “You Rock!” Keep doing what you are doing. Hugs
Mel that was so well said…when did we start looking away from humanity. I had a similar situation happen last week at my local coffee shop with a man who clearly was on the edge of life and he wanted that connection; as we all do. To be acknowledged, for someone to notice their life, to belong.
Beautiful story full of wisdom and LOVE..Thank you for sharing it…but maybe I could ask you to help me with my own personal struggle and how you get to know when to stay and when to leave. I visit my husband in prison and look into his beautiful eyes and see a beautiful soul …but all his words are full of deceit and his actions cause devastation …This is my struggle…reading your posts are what get me through each day..they give me hope that I can be a better person and find a way to get through alot of pain. x sending LOVE and more LOVE ♥
Amen!
We are all just souls looking to not feel alone.
Thank you sweet brave sister. I just love your heart for people. Keep on loving, it is a gift.
I love your heart and love that you share it with us to help us be better people.
What a gift you are.
I love that you took the time to share this with us! Ever since I have taken the time to start noticing, REALLY noticing others, I have also been blessed by it! I don’t know if you remember me, but I wrote to you some months ago requesting art supplies for an amazing studio I volunteer at. This studio is open and frequented by many homeless or struggling people. I have to tell you that my time that I spend there is the best time of my week! I have met some amazing souls that I never would have looked twice at before, and I am better for it! I have talked to, listened to, danced around the studio with, and really connected with these people who really just want companionship. I am so glad that you have found this, and been able to let go of your fear! I look forward to hearing your stories! Keep blessing this failing world with your bright sunshiny soul!
There but for thr grace of G-d, go I……
Such a heartwarming post. God Bless you for not walking away. Though there are times when we feel He walks away from us…He is still beside us!
Looking forward to your Manila Memories!!!
Hugs,
Jackie
The eyes really are the window to the soul. They tell of fears, hurts and of joy. Thank you of reminding us all of that. I love you for all of your wisdom, passion and willingness to open your life and share what you have learned. Big Brave Girl Hugs,
Denise
Thank you. So beautiful. I can’t what to hear your stories from Manilla.
And just like I always do when I have a rough day…I go to the BGC blog and read…and listen to YOU…and it’s like you write these stories just for me…exactly what I needed to hear at the exact time…and it always leaves me with a smile and feeling much better about life. God bless YOU Melody Ross 🙂
This was beautiful and touched my heart so deeply. Can I share a somewhat different but similar story? This week has been heartbreaking as we had to move my 91 year old MIL from her home in an assisted living facility to a full time nursing home. This was against her will but it was really time, she needs more help. We moved her to a nursing home where the employees totally dismissed her, they would come in and ask me what she wanted to drink or etc. she has a mind, she deserves dignity. The next day, we moved her out of there to a facility that treats our elderly with the respect they deserve. They sit down and listen to what they have to say. They touch the residents, pats on the arm, hugs, it’s a beautiful thing. So my story is different but yet much the same. Thank you for sharing your story Melody. And please, don’t dismiss our elderly, remember they are just like us in aged bodies.
I loved reading this post…
You know people come in and out of our lives for a reason. You were there talking with Steve for a reason. God played a hand in this. So many people do shun away from seeing someone like this. Looking at what they have or don’t have or the way they appear maybe not up to our standards. But as I have grown older I have taken a step back and thought what if that were me. No home, no money, no family. What if the person that came to me was an Angel brought to me from God? God tests us in so many different ways one just never knows. Even if the person was not sent from God how much more richer we have become from listening to their stories and sharing a moment of our life with them. I think people who do approach another is because one can see the love from another through their eyes. And as you leave in parting your heart smiles because you realized that you have just made a new friend!
Such a Brave Girl you are…others in that bookstore were given a message just from watching you converse with that man. Blessings! <3