THERE IS A STRANGER IN TOWN AND IT IS ME by Pennie Hunt

I stopped at the restaurant for a quick lunch. I didn’t have much time as I was traveling to a meeting and had cut my driving time pretty close. The minute I walked in I felt it. All eyes were on me. I was wearing a business suit, which was obviously not the normal attire for this small town.  

As I was escorted to my table, I could feel all the thoughts behind the staring eyes… Who is she? Where did she come from? Why is she here? I could almost hear the music from an old western movie and a theme song called, There’s a Stranger in Town. It was clear- I was the stranger and didn’t belong there.

I have never had too much of a problem eating alone, but this was different. I began looking at emails and messages on my phone. I ordered quickly, ate quickly, and left quickly. 

Maybe I should have stood up and introduced myself to the lunch crowd. Maybe I shouldn’t have stopped. Maybe I shouldn’t have cared— But I did.

Now, years later, I still remember that day and the feeling of being an outsider. Being scrutinized. Being alone is one thing, but feeling isolated and alone in a crowd is quite another. It is intimidating and frightening.  

Recently I was at a large four-day conference. The number of people in attendance and the topic of the event could be overwhelming. As I walked down the hallways of the event center, if I saw someone alone, I stopped and talked to them. At every meal, I walked around the room until I found someone with that look on their face. The look of fear and loneliness. I sat with them. I talked to them. If they needed it, I held their hand and their heart.

I could feel their uneasiness and insecurity of wondering if they belonged there. I knew that emotion and I hurt for anyone who was feeling that. I hope that in a small way I made a difference to those I took the time to be with.

When was the last time you sat down with someone and listened to their story? It could be someone you know or a stranger. Don’t miss the opportunity to listen. Listen to what makes them cry. Listen to what is important to them. Listen to what makes their heart sing. Listen to their story.

It doesn’t take long to give someone a moment of your time and it is easy to miss the opportunity. Pay attention to others. Strangers you see every day, coworkers, friends, and family members all have a story. Maybe you think you know it, but maybe you don’t. Maybe it is time to listen.

Ask questions like: "What made you happy today?" "What sadness do you carry?" and "What brings love and joy to your life?" When you piece this together, you will take the journey with them through their story.

None of us are strangers. We are all just friends that haven’t met yet. We all have fears, tragedy, happiness, and joy in our stories. Reach out to someone today and listen. Find out what makes their heart sing.
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                                                          Pennie’s Life Lesson:
                         No one is a stranger- they are just friends we haven’t met yet.
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​​YOUR TURN...        
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