See the good

I stood with a homeless friend, listening as he vented his frustration about a pastor who, in his eyes, only did good to be seen doing good. He spoke with a knowing tone, as if he could see right through the polished shoes and public prayers. “It’s for show,” he said, “just applause and influence.”

He went on, naming others he’d watched from a distance— people who appeared to care but, in his words, didn’t stick around once the cameras or the crowds were gone.

Then he said something that hit hard. “At the end of the day, I’m still alone. I’m still homeless. And they act like they care. They don’t. They just want applause.”