For my new job I get to go into a variety of areas in Denver with a wide variety of people. Some areas are quite run down with some scary looking people while others are very fancy and expensive looking. At times I feel very much like a minority and wonder how people will react to me. Yet, I’ve been continually impressed with the kindness of strangers. I’ve had several people who at first glance appear a bit standoffish stop and open the door for me when I’m carrying something. Others have struck up conversations with me and been very cool. Admittedly, there have been a few jerks and I’ve been offered drugs already, but I’ve been impressed with the majority of people who are just trying to provide for their families and make their way in the world.

It doesn’t matter how much money someone has or their ethnicity. I believe that everyone has a fascinating story to tell which is both unique to them and yet universal to all of us. We are all created in the image of God. He shines through in the face of the store clerk, the homeless man, the single mother, and her child. Every person can make a difference in the world and many do every day. A smile, a brief conversation, or a door being held open may not seem like much, but they can make a big difference to someone like me who is far from home and just trying to do his job.

I double dog dare you to look past clothing styles, skin color, height, weight, etc. and see people more as …. people – with real worries, struggles and needs. And possibly in need of a simple kind word or action from you.

Just a suggestion.