Love Your Neighbor

She was a mean looking old lady. She never really smiled at anyone; she just sat in her chair on the veranda and looked up and down the block. Now that I’m older, I realize it had something to do with the change in racial demographics of “her” neighborhood. The Jamaicans were taking over and my family had moved in next door (and you know we roll deep). The adults worked hard and all the children were in school. But I guess that didn’t help change the fact that we were different and she was a grouch.

I don’t remember her having many visitors, only a son, who would stop by on the weekend. This meant that the old Italian lady would struggle with her garbage and lawn regularly. She was about 90 years old, pulling out garbage cans that were about the same height and weight as she was. Then one day, I remember seeing her struggle with her garbage and I asked my mom if I could help her. I was about 8 at the time, not much bigger than the woman, but thought I could help. When I approached her, she didn’t refuse the help and said “thank you” afterwards. In the winter, I remember seeing my dad and uncle shovel the snow from in front of her house, even though she had been unkind and I believe even called the police on us.

My message to you this morning is – “Love your Neighbor.”

It isn’t an easy thing to do, especially when a person is unkind to us. But as my mother says, “kill them with kindness.” Eventually (hopefully), something nice will rub off and they’ll at least say “hello.” Some individuals are grumpy because they are lonely. If we take the time to be a friend, their attitude may change. Others may have had a bad experience and now judge everyone based on that single incident. If it’s only one chance you have to influence someone, make it a positive one.

Be sure you make the difference, not cause the ignorance.