A moment on an exit ramp

I was in a hurry to get to my office. I was sitting at a light coming off I-75 and waiting to turn on Grand River. The light turned green, but the car at the front didn’t move. I saw a homeless man who was standing on the median collecting donations head toward the car to receive a gift of money. And that was when the car between me and the first car honked long and hard. I jumped. The homeless man jumped. And even though I was in a hurry to get back to the office. That honk made me pause.

Pause for introspection

I feel like in many ways this year in Detroit has been like a honk for me, and I have had to pause. Up until I moved to Detroit, I was working a great job, doing life with family and friends, and moving along with life. Since moving to Detroit, I have learned a lot about the history of Detroit and now I see people and their stories differently. I have especially been challenged when I hear the stories of injustice, inequity, structural racism, and the impact of gentrification. If I am being completely honest, I knew little about some of these subjects before moving to Detroit. And I still have a lot to learn. As I reflect on what I have been learning, I wrestle with what can I do?

Looking forward

How can I be more like the first vehicle who saw a need and a way to help meet that need? I recognize that meeting the needs of others is not always financial, but it starts with keeping my eyes open and being willing to take the time and give what I have. I don’t want to be like the second vehicle who cared more about getting somewhere than seeing the need of someone else. My hope is that this year in Detroit and the pause it has brought to my worldview will help me see people for who they are and meet them where they are at.