A newcomer to the city lifestyle, I have learned lots in a short time. I have learned to cross the street extremely quickly. I have learned to eat at off-times if I want to eat at all. I have learned not to go a second over the parking meter time and, finally, I have learned to avoid beggars. “Beggars” are different in every city. In New Orleans beggars play music. In Key West they paint, in New York they perform and in Charleston, S.C., they lay there.

These men and women tend to be - as you'd expect - middle-aged, dirty, and expressionless. While walking downtown on a Tuesday evening I was approached by a beggar. He was homeless and had asked me to spare a dollar. Unfortunately, as a college student, I only carry cards due to the lack of room in my book bag for much more than textbooks. But I was determined to cheer him up somehow. I looked at the man and remembered the apple I packed for my break between classes. As I pulled it out and handed it to him I was met with the biggest grin I had ever seen. He took the apple and thanked me with a bible verse...a verse I will never forget. That verse was this:

John 15:13 “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one’s friends.”

I am not usually one to interact with beggars. Unfortunately, I tend to look the other way as most people do. This reaction is something we grow up learning without even realizing it. One bad incident concerning a beggar can lead someone to stereotype all beggars. Some beggars are victims of abuse or injured veterans. Others are drug addicts. But on that Tuesday I met someone who erased all the stereotypes I'd ever learned. I saw someone who wasn't just another homeless person on the streets. I met someone who was thankful; someone who was grateful for what little they had.

Needless to say, this man gave me hope. I hope that more people will begin to be grateful for what they have. I hope that more people will go out into this world sharing kindness.