Judgment




	WRITE 2 THE HEART Stories that are aimed "Write 2 the Heart" September 7, 2004 Cheryl Speir, Editor, moderator @ write2theheart.com Welcome to your latest issue of "Write 2 the Heart." All new subscribers will receive a free downloadable copy of the e- cookbook, "Write 2 the Heart of the Chocolate Lover." To join, send an e-mail with subscribe written in the subject line to: subscribe-me @ write2theheart.com. Looks can be deceiving. We have all heard that particular phrase. Michelle experienced such a situation and it gave her food for thought that she shares with us. Judgment Day Michelle Ustaszeski One evening this past October as I walked out of a convenience store with my cup of coffee, I noticed an older woman standing next to a payphone. She had on what seemed to be a hat, pink leg warmers that have been out of style for at least ten years, a black mini skirt, blue/gray stockings, what used to be white sneakers, a brown torn coat, and gloves with each finger cut off of them. Stereotypically speaking, she looked homeless. As I waited for my friend to come out of another store, I nonchalantly sipped my coffee from inside my car and watched her rummage through her bag for some change in order to make a call. My compassion for her grew when I noticed how upset she seemed; aggravated at her disposition, angry at where her life had led her. At least that is the way she "appeared" to me as I watched her surrender in her search for change and slide down the side of the store wall in order to rest. She looked exhausted. Just as I was about to rummage through my own bag and offer change for her phone call, a Lexus pulled up along side of me. Surprisingly enough, I watched her jump to her feet, walk up to it and get in. At that very moment a young girl, about the age of ten, stepped out from the back seat. She was wearing a cat costume. I overheard the homeless woman telling the driver, whose devil horns were perfectly placed, that he was late, and that she had been waiting for over a half hour. Only then did I realize that Halloween was only a week away and that they were obviously on their way to a Halloween party. Being consumed in my own world, I hadn't yet prepared for the holiday. Thoughts of Halloween were not a determining factor in my judgment of the woman. We make false judgments about people every day without knowing what is happening in their lives. We often, without thought, judge people based on their appearance and not what they are made up of. We judge their actions based on what we would do given our own personal experiences and information that we have been provided with up to that point and given the environment in which we live and were raised in. It takes a lot of practice to learn how to put yourself in another person's shoes. I don't even believe that it is completely possible. Maybe we can begin by first realizing that our thoughts, opinions, views and ultimate actions are based on a combination of all the experiences that we have had throughout our lifetime. Every person in this world has their own experiences, which creates their views. If you can easily find fault in others, just realize that in another person's eyes, 'you' are the other person. Michelle Ustaszeski mcu @ qad.com My name is Michelle Ustaszeski. I am a writer, photographer, and owner of Sam-n-Nick's Inspirations, which sells motivational, inspirational, and custom bookmarkers and framed art. My business is named after my two children, Samantha and Nicholas and you can visit my site at http://soulfuel.com/ You are encouraged to write to the authors to let them know what you think of their story. Have a comment on today's story? Send it to: moderator @ write2theheart.com Write 2 the Heart now has an affiliate program with Cognigen. They have several long distance plans to chose from. I personally use the PowerNet Global 4.5¢ Per Minute Plan. I love having my own toll free number without the monthly fee; I only pay for actual calls. My family can call home whenever they are out of town. I have used it more times than I care to remember over the last three years in emergency situations. Cognigen has more than just great long distance rates; they have calling cards, internet access, web hosting services and much more. You can check out all of their telecommunication products and services at http://ld.net/?cbspeir. Looking for an affiliate program? You will be surprised at all the products and services you will have access to. Letters From Our Readers Cathy Whirity, sure captured the splendor of milestones and celebration with her story "Birthday Candles." Every parent can identify with the milestone of their child's birthday into adulthood. Cathy, I love how you finished with the words "helium of hope." The hope for our lives drifts towards the heavens, and comes back to us in the form of our fulfilled dreams. Thanks for sharing your story. Annettee HI Cheryl, "Attack of the Night Monster" by Ellie Braun-Haley was humorous and made me think of my own night fear incidents. Just goes to show how fear can overtake us, and dogs, too. LOL! Thanks to Kathy Whirity for sharing her daughter's birthday celebration with us in "21 Birthday Candles." Great b-day! Made me wish again that my son had reached his 21st. All birthdays should be celebrated in such manner. May Kathy's children and she share many birthdays together. Patricia Military Prayer Reminder As you read over this list of names, please take a moment to pray for these young people and their families: Chris Speir Tim Speir Alan Todd Holland Graham William Julie Sagel Jessie Marshal Thompson Jason Eric Hernandez Kristin Danielson Ken Prieur Ryan Larry Miele Daniel Amy John Joanne Gary Boardwine Josh Hadassah Chanz Wackerly Robert Henderson David Habighurst Please continue to pray for our country, our leaders, and our troops at this time. If you have loved ones in the military, or who are being called to go overseas, send their names (first and last or first only) to be included in our prayer reminder. Copyright © 2004, Write 2 the Heart Nothing may be reproduced or published without the written permission of the individual author or copyright owner. All rights belong to the authors.