Down Not Out

Billy Ray Harris might be homeless and down on his luck, but he is still an honest man.  Sarah Darling walked by and dropped some money in Billy Ray’s cup.  Little did she know at the time, that she had also dropped her engagement ring in his cup.  Billy Ray held on to the ring.  Sarah went back looking for her ring the following day.  She told Billy Ring she had lost something valuable, and he asked if it was a ring and gave it to her.  He said his grandfather was a minister and taught him to be honest. 

Two things came to mind as I watched the news clip on the story.  Sarah could have easily cast judgment on Billy Ray purely based on appearance and kept walking, but she didn’t.  She took the time to show a little compassion.  Billy Ray could have hocked the ring and lied when Sarah came back, but he didn’t.  He stuck to one of his foundational truths, honesty, as taught by his grandfather.  

This story reminds me again, about how easy it is to make a difference in someone’s life.  A little compassion and a little honesty can do wonders in the world.