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| #thePassenger rides again |
Not yet on the downtown train... I witnessed several incidents that would raise one's eyebrow of curiosity. One young lady fearlessly threw a rock, missing the intended person and hitting the train. Bringing much un-needed attention to herself, while overtalking a woman with children, who the rock was intended to hit. Everyone standing around looking including myself, observing what could turn into a physical altercation, but it did not happen. Strangely after the rock thrower finished her entertainment, she walked off smiling and began talking to herself.
Now boarding the train close to sunset, on this windy day after the rain. Entering the train sitting down facing east, so I can now perform my sunset obligation, in a sitting position. Finishing my prayer, there I noticed an un-groomed man with heavy loads of spit and crust in his mouth area. This man was preaching, what seems to be a sensible conversation about obeying the Creator. He would preach and change seats, until sitting next to me. He then offered me his money (change,) which I denied. Then he said something to the fact, "People treat me bad, because I look like this, but God loves me." He then moved, and I pondered on what he said...hmmmm...
Thinking about mental health among people, I Googled this fact on my phone....
"An estimated 2.3 million Americans have bipolar disorder, also called manic-depressive illness. A person with bipolar disorder can go from feeling very, very high (called mania) to feeling very, very low (depression). With proper treatment, people can control these mood swings and lead fulfilling lives. While the rate of bipolar disorder is the same among African Americans as it is among other Americans, African Americans are less likely to receive a diagnosis and, therefore, treatment for this illness."As mentioned here before, mental health in America is a very delicate topic. Since 2001, we have experienced incidents of financial hardships, broken relationships and war; all which have divided a country into right and left, upper and lower class mind-states. Having said this, the average American may need some type of counseling or therapy. Reading further down on the linked page we provided, it lists some well known factors why African Americans fail to seek or avoid treatment for troubling issues. Yet alone living in an environment of social ills, pre-existing 2001. The African American community as well as Angelinos, situations could be resolved by a government focusing on mental health and its root causes.
Our cries have been heard throughout our music, art, dance, poems and more. As a country we need to focus on wellness for the purpose of healing our minds, bodies and soul. Understand this ~ your neighbor or family member, may have a smile on their face, but subsequently could be suffering from symptoms of depression.
The holiday spirit of cheer has come again, as I exit the train seeing the lights, trees and decorations. I wonder if the lady I'm seeing smoking excessively has cheer, or the rocker thrower is she more cheerful now, or where is that un-groomed preacher is he still cheering people up, by spreading his gospel.
Take care people, I am watching you and praying for our sustainability as I passed through your part of the city....amin (amen)
Wisdom Wednesday are thoughts for social conversation and the sharing of honest opinions, ideals, and Wisdom. All of us have a value worth sharing; it may motivate another to stop, continue and/ or begin a certain process in our personal or social development. #tohavevision
#createavoice
Thank You!
Thank You!
Very thought provoking. Thanks for bringing awareness as an eye witness. We do see these types of people everyday, but never stop to think of them
ReplyDeleteas a person suffering from an illness. Looking at it from this perspective makes you ask yourself, why is no one helping them? When we can personlaize it like this it makes you realize that "them" can eaisly become "us".
Deep observations passenger!