Here's "God Help the Outcasts"
If you're familiar with Disney's adaptation of the story, you know that Esmerelda is a gypsy who has taken pity on the hunchback, Quasimodo. It's a much heavier song than Disney usually tackles in their classic animated films. For me, it works though.
I kept thinking about what could be mentioned with this post that's relevant and interesting. I don't want to get preachy about the way humans are when it comes to rejecting others who are different than us. Sadly, it's human nature to be afraid of something that's different.
That's why I want you to meet somebody. His name is Shnorts.
That's why I want you to meet somebody. His name is Shnorts.
"Hello Shnorts!"
OK, his name is really Aaron, but I know him as @shnorts, and that is where you can find him if you go looking around the internet, or social media in particular. I found the lovely above image simply by googling "shnorts." And yes! That is his real beard.
So, I'm not writing to you about Shnorts because he's an outcast or weird or anything like that. He's actually one of the coolest (and funniest) guys I've ever met. I'm incredibly lucky to say he's my friend. I'm one of many though.
You see, Aaron (Shnorts) has quite literally dedicated his life to serving others. He's currently in a very poor area of California taking care of the poor and downtrodden. He spends much of his time with the homeless, helping them find housing, food, and better their situation. But most importantly, he's being a friend to many who may have nowhere else to turn.
It's often a thankless job, but he doesn't do it because he's proud, or pompous or expects praise or anything in return. He does it because he's kind and good and genuinely Christian.
Some people don't understand why the homeless don't just get a job or do something to better their situation. The fact is, that there are people in this world who feel so utterly lost, sad and helpless and they don't know how to change, or they feel it's impossible. They need help. They need support. They need love.
This is what my friend is trying to accomplish: to simply care for people who feel completely alone, afraid and desperate. Isn't that rad? I hope none of this sounds trite, or contrived. I truly admire this guy and what he's trying to accomplish along with his friend Chris. They are part of Youth With a Mission, which is a non-denominational, non profit organization that is dedicated to bettering the world.
Here's a blog that's dedicated specifically to the work they're trying to do:
http://ywam-modesto.blogspot.com/
Also, Aaron has a book that he's written that I really enjoyed reading, both because it was entertaining and uplifting. It's about his journey to understand the homeless as well as a moving narrative of the life of St. Francis of Assisi. I really recommend this book if you like to laugh and hear inspirational stories of Christianity.
http://www.amazon.com/Canticle-Saints-Aaron-Alford-ebook/dp/B017V1NUXY
One more thing, it's a plug for Aaron, Chris and all of youth with a mission in Modesto. Like any charity, they always need perpetual funding. I'm asking for anybody's help to make donations to help them in their efforts. Here's a picture from the other day where they are meeting with homeless people and watching "Star Wars" on the side of a U-Haul truck. How cool is this?!?
Here's how you can donate to their cause:
Lastly, on a personal level, I have to thank Aaron (Shnorts!) for making me laugh on social media, for always reading my blog, and mostly for helping me out immeasurably last year when I was going through some pretty tough times. He's a great guy and I'm so glad he's my friend- he's a prime example of what it means to bless those who are outcasts.
The End.
