Or better yet : ” Judge not, that ye be not judged “. ( Matthew 7:1 )
A couple of personal experiences come to mind ———
Recently I was waiting in the car at a Walmart while Byron was inside picking up a few necessities. A twenty- something male walked by with AMAZING dreadlocks, all the way to his waist, tattoos on the parts of his arms that weren’t covered , sun glasses hiding his eyes, and striding forward for all the world like a young man on a mission. Sat there with Gracie , wondering……………
Fast forward : out the door he comes , carrying a plastic bag and a bouquet of flowers ! Walking with him was an older man, possibly a brother. They passed me by and I smiled and both men smiled. Gone to their vehicle, I assumed, and off to give some cute young thing the flowers.
Fast forward for the last time : back he comes, friend/brother still beside him. I lowered my window and said , ” Thank you so much. I didn’t know you cared “. He looked puzzled , but the older man got it and laughed. And I explained, ” The flowers “. He smiled the most beautiful smile , white teeth sparkling, and said, ” These are for my mother’s grave site. She died a year ago. ”
BEST NOT TO JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER !
Many, many years earlier when Chuck was two years old, Byron and I left him with Mother and Daddy for a quick get-away to the beach. Second night we went to a lovely ocean-side restaurant for a “real” grown-up dinner and sat on the patio until our table was available. Watching all the dinner guests come and go was our entertainment.
Walking by us was a group of male teens, having arrived on motorcycles. Helmets still on ( if slightly skewed ), piercings anywhere that we could see, droopy britches, long hair——-you get the picture . I commented to Byron that I really hoped that Chuck would NOT grow up to be like that !
A few minutes later another group of male teens walked by, having arrived in classic vehicles. They were preppy all the way : styled haircuts, shirts with collars and tiny symbols , pressed slacks, leather loafers——you get the picture. I commented to Byron that I really hoped that Chuck WOULD grow up to be like that !
And then our peaceful evening was interrupted by the arrival of several law enforcement personnel who hurriedly entered the restaurant, obviously focused and definitely on a mission !
Within minutes out they came with all the well-dressed, preppy kids in tow—–and in handcuffs !!!!!!! Lesson learned that served me well all those years while loving and disciplining kids at our high school !
BEST NOT TO JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER !
—————–( Would love to read your comments ! )
So true Diane! Anytime you work with youth or younger adults you sometimes judge a book by the cover. Learned my lesson around 40.
We’ve both been there and done that, haven’t we ?
This is something that I have learned in my many years after making some errors in judgement. Years ago, in Athens, I was working a charity yard sale. Was tired and looked awful with a tattered army jacket and bad hair. I ran into the jewelry store to get wedding gift and no one paid any attention except to watch me. After while I left, went to car where I had a blazer and a brush and put on lipstick and even added a little to my checks. Pranced back in the store to be greeted and assisted and sold the wedding gift. I have remembered that treatment forever and never shopped that store again. Enjoyed your words, as usual.
WOW ! Just WOW ! You made my point much better than I. Thank you, Linda.