Heart = Warm

Has everyone been reading the story of the New York City police officer, Lawrence DePrimo who bought a pair of winter boots and socks for a homeless man he met while on duty? I have read the story at least 3 times and I am cuttin' onions!

I don't know why, but I am in love with this story. DePrimo says the man was very polite and you could see that he had blisters on the bottom of his feet and was walking on his heels, barefoot. He said it was freezing out that night and he just thought he had to help him.

The office talked to the man and he found out what shoe size he wore, then went to a nearby shoe store looking for shoes and socks. The store employee gave him his employee discount to help out and he took the shoes and socks to the man and knelt down to help him put them on. There was a woman visiting NYC from Arizona who snapped a photo and it went viral after she sent it to the NYPD to tell them what a great thing she witnessed. Her father had been in law enforcement and she knew what was happening.

The homeless man thanked him and walked away.

Something about this gets me every time. Just one human being offering shoes to another. There are a thousand ways to help people, big and small. A gesture that this officer didn't hesitate to make, and certainly didn't think anyone else would know about, but has changed him forever. The outpouring of love from people who read the story and know what it is like to reach down and help someone, or to have someone reach down and help them is so touching. People who wish they had the courage to do something, even something small to help someone else.

There's a line in the movie, We Bought A Zoo. The character Ben Mee says:

You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it.

It can be difficult to ask for help. It can be harder to see someone need help and offer it. All you need to do is close your eyes, forget what you think you know and step forward. One step. Start talking. Don't think about doing it, just begin. Look for the opportunity to reach out. They are all around you. Then screw up the courage to take the leap that will change both of your lives forever.My heart is warmed by this person's leap. I'll try to find a way to take my own.