Have You Ever Thought?

It’s finally sunny outside and with a somewhat steady breeze I’m just sitting here watching the laundry dry. The church bell just rang, so the good Baptist next door are about ready to raise a little hell across the fence. I got a couple of really sweet text messages this morning asking me how I am and letting me know they appreciated me. Among those messages was a voice mail from a young lady in Bangladesh. Don’t ask me how, but we started following each other on IG a number of years ago through our appreciation of each other’s art.

Over time as with any one of my other kids, I’ve watched her painting develop and grow. All the while making the same usual mistakes that most young people would in life. I’ve learned a lot about her culture and traditions as she has about mine. It’s funny though, that throughout our online friendship, individuals I know still think I’m being scammed. They warn me of her hacking or stealing my information. Like I actually have some big government secret or even a positive amount in my bank account.

While I am not ignorant of the scammers out there (I get contacted by them nearly everyday). It’s sad to see how the words trust and compassion have faded from our vocabulary. For example this young woman lost her beloved father at in early age. She was abused, had to endure a loveless arranged marriage, and is now raising a child on her own with little help. If I’m being scammed, this is the most verifiable con ever ran. And for what? Apparently nothing more than a shoulder to cry on. So for all the haters and non-believers in human compassion out there, let me say. Have you ever thought maybe you’re the one being scammed?