to not judge others. For the safety of my family, for success in

business, in matters of spirit, I judge others. We cannot help

judging, it is in our nature. Survival may depend on

"Times New Roman">I often see people holding signs that read,

“Homeless, please help,” or words to that effect. One day, I

noticed the sign-holder at an intersection was a tall man. He was

wearing a Marine Corps utility cover. His face was masked with a

beard. I could see only his eyes. I knew those eyes. I knew this

man. He and I had served together in Vietnam. I knew him, at one

"Times New Roman">I was able to stop adjacent to him, and put my

window down. He spoke first, “Semper Fi

simple sentence spoke volumes. He was relieved that his anonymity

would be preserved, and he was embarrassed at his

God Bless.” I had given to these people on the corners before, but

often with judgment. I reached for my wallet and emptied it. The

amount was small. He took it with a smile and a heartfelt “thank

you.” There were tears in both of our eyes as we parted. We were

embarrassing moment was over, but why was I relieved? Was I

embarrassed, too? Was I ashamed? Why was I

"Times New Roman">I was relieved because, I was embarrassed for my

lack of compassion, for my judging, for my selfishness. I was

embarrassed as I recalled the many times I had driven past people

like my brother on the corner and thought, “Get a job,” “Go to

know their circumstances? Where would I be if I walked a mile in

because of my hard work. Had I really done it all on my own? No, I

had help along the way, help from compassionate individuals who

judged me worthy of it. Who am I to deny this same compassion to

others? I was embarrassed and ashamed. That should have been

time in life, had been my equal. We had worn the same uniform,

drank from the same cup, eaten from the same bowl, sweated, and

bled together. We had reached out in the terrors of battle to be

reassured that we were not alone in that hell. We had shared our

innermost feelings. Some were spoken, some were understood, as they

brother on the corner’s dreams and ambitions. What had happened?

Why was my brother on the corner begging for his existence, and I

"Times New Roman">I realized the foolishness of my judgments, for

there, but by the grace of God, go I. I could easily be on that

think of him often. I do not give to every indigent that I see, but

I do not judge them. When I can, I give, with compassion and a

prayer. “Oh Lord, please bless this gift to the betterment of their

lives, and please bless me never to have to be in such a situation,

but if I must, please bless me with the compassionate, those with

the pure love of Christ, even charity.” Amen my brother on the