Ok, so I am at Starbucks sitting here crying. Why am I crying? I just had an encounter with 2 young Black boys (one 11 years old, one 16 years old). I was standing in line at the Starbucks in my neighborhood when these boys walked in. My female, fashion eye did the immediate quick glance over. Didn't think twice and turned my head back to the counter. In my head though, I was saying I have got to tell him about his pants. Ugh! It's just a pet peeve of mine. So, I stepped back and asked him why did he have his pants almost all the way to the floor and he had a belt on. His response? With the shyest bright grin, "I don't know, I always wear them like this." Well, sweetheart why don't you pull them up and tighten your belt. It's one thing to be fashionable and it's another to just not get dressed in the morning. He nodded his head and said, "Ok, I will pull them up for you." Hey, it didn't matter why he did it at this point; I just wanted them up.
But if you know me, you know it didn't stop there. When it was my turn at the counter to order, I asked the boys if they wanted anything. They just said they were here to get water. I told them to go ahead and get something. It took about 2 minutes before one of them did realize I was legit and order a hot chocolate. I told the Barista to add that to my order. I told the boys I went to the neighborhood high school and told them to make sure they graduate high school. I then gave them my business card.
I went back to my seat in the corner and just felt a wave of emotion come over me. The Barista brought me my hot chocolate. She wanted to thank me for that. (Even now I am tearing up.) I just simply told her, "If we don't, then who will. They're our kids." And again, tears to my eyes.
Why? Because I am saddened by the state of my babies in my 'hood. I grew up in an urban area in Northern Sacramento where drugs and crime were normal. I moved away for college and grad school and moved back. Now, every so often, I will run into a young, Black kids who just "look" lost: appearance unkempt, hygiene less than standard, and bright eyes. Then I will run into those other young, Black kids who just "look" lost: Coach attire & Gucci cologne, latest iPhone, and sad eyes.
There are sooooo many ways that those of us who have "arrived" can help: Time, Talent, Treasure. Give yourself so God can use you to bless those who are in need. Your heart trigger may not be youth; it may be the poor, it may be the elderly, it may the illiterate. Whatever is your passion, that is your purpose in this life. While it may not be your career, it can be your hobby and volunteer effort.
Seriously, your purpose on this Earth is so much more than to inhabit it and breathe.
Blessings,
Aurellia
