It's about that time of the year. The weather gets cold, the season gets jolly, and the compassion for the homeless increases. You see them everywhere: on the streets, under bridges, sleeping in churches, at the gas stations, on the median of the highways. Some are veterans, some are children, some are talented people, some are single parents, some are politicians, some are teachers, some are humanitarians, some are leaders, some are business owners, and some are just ordinary people. Some have signs, some have 9 layers of clothing, some with grocery carts, some with a small family, and some don't even look homeless. Some are born into their situations and some couldn't avoid it. But many people seem to think: They don't deserve it.

The topic of discussion doesn't change. To the average person with a sense of humility, the question persists: "What can I do to help?"

And based on this, we define the people we meet. Some of us will give money, some of us will volunteer, some of us will talk, some of us will pray. Through these acts of pity, we label them as worthy.

Then there are some of us who will mock, some of us who will laugh, some of us who will push and shove, and some of us will go out of our way to increase suffering. Through these acts of torment, we label them as useless. Unlikely, but no one can deny that this inhumane type of treatment does exist.

The rest of us stay silent - not because we think it's the right thing to do, but because we simply do not know or we do not have an answer. This is most of us - and believe it not, this is also the worst of us. We avoid them by walking on the other side of the street, looking down at our phones or listen to music as we walk past. We keep our eyes on the car in front of us when we're driving, and even pretend that we're busy by making false conversations with the people we walk with. We treat them like they're invisible. Through this ignorance, we deny their humanity. By ignoring them, we're telling them "you don't exist" and "I do not care."

It's obvious that we live in a society where being passive is RECOMMENDED; a culture that says MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS. From an early age, we're taught that getting involved in situations not pertaining to us is dangerous. It's called the bystander effect. We refuse to stand up for the victim getting bullied or even associate ourselves with people of lower class or of difference. Sometimes this proves to be the right choice - I won't deny this. A lot of us will argue that it does prevent unnecessary hardships and lessens stress. This is also true.

But when someone is out there on the streets without a home, they're not asking for us to get involved in their lives, or for us to save them from poverty. Yes, they are asking for money. Yes, they are asking for food. Yes, they are asking for opportunity. If we can fulfill these requests - great. If we're in situations that make us incapable of doing so - that's okay, too. But NEVER should we look away and tell them that they do not exist - that they are not a part of this human race - OUR human race.

So when we see a homeless person or are approached by one, don't ignore them. Am I saying that we should talk to every homeless person we see? No. Should help every homeless person we see? No. But if a homeless person approaches you, do not deny their humanity. If you can help them, that's great. But if you can't, look them in the eyes and tell them, "I'm sorry I can't help you, but I hope life treats you well." They deserve at least this.

Happy Holidays to my readers. May this season be filled with compassion and love.