Hannah's Socks • warm feet, warm hearts

When you think about having conversations about "beauty," you probably wouldn't think of that conversation happening outside in frigid cold temperatures with a man who may be homeless. But that's exactly what happened this past Saturday at the Downtown Toledo Library!

One of our friends who visits with us regularly as the Hannah's Socks volunteers are giving out socks started a conversation about how beauty is what is on the inside of someone. He commented that looks can often be deceiving. Although he might see a "beauty" on the outside, that same desirable goodness may not be on the inside.

His words are so true! Often the image that comes to mind when we think of a homeless person is that of someone who appears unkempt, wearing tattered, dirty clothes; that's not only a stereotype that rarely reflects the true face of homelessness, but that point-of-view means we're very likely missing out on the beauty that can come from within!

Beauty can radiate from a smile. Beauty can touch you through a word of kindness. Beauty can be spoken in a sincere word of gratitude. Beauty can be one homeless man sharing a package of underwear that he was given with other men in need because he does not need them all himself.

Beauty can be in the unselfish act of a stranger knitting homemade scarves (that were truly beautiful) to help keep someone else warm. Beauty is in the time spent by a family and a young couple taking time out of their day on a very cold morning to hand out socks, gloves, hats, and scarves to people in need!

These were all evidences of beauty that I observed and encountered in one hour with my fellow volunteers and Downtown friends. Come volunteer and see the beauty in others and share your beauty from within!

Learn about volunteering with Hannah's Socks.

Lisa volunteers regularly with our Toledo-area team and shares her experiences in a weekly feature called "Volunteer Diary." Newsletter subscribers get to read her posts first.