We spent a few days with the Corvallis Daytime Drop-in Center, a resource hub to help connect people with services and resources around housing security. We set up our studio and asked, “What do you want people to know?” The goal is to craft an answer that is 25 words or less, so that the text fits on the person’s portrait. But of course there is so much more to say than that. So in between portraits, we hung out and we visited.
Some of the people who shared a story were clients. Some volunteers. Others staff. Sometimes I didn’t know which of those boxes a person fit into, but really, it didn’t matter.
The names below are changed.
Marcus had just rolled into town and was trying to figure out where to charge his cell phone. His car was older and he worried about running down the battery in it.
Amy was getting a wound dressed.
Sally talked about the times she had been harassed to keep moving, while resting from the weight of her pack and the blisters on her feet.
Sandra thanked me for “treating everyone the same.” Which made me quite certain, that wasn’t always her experience.
Randall was excited to share a quote, but didn’t want to be identifiable, so we agreed to do the portrait with his hand over his face.
And Carter announced quite firmly on the first day, that there was no chance he was going to be a part of the project. No way, no how. And on the third day, he showed up and said, “I think I’m ready now.”
How would you answer the question?
“What do you want people to know?”
I just finished reading your thought-provoking post “Listen” and felt compelled to reflect on your words. You raise such an important point about how vital it is to truly listen to others with an open mind and heart.
In this increasingly polarized world, your call to approach listening with humility and compassion resonated deeply with me. Rather than listening just to respond or contradict, you advocate listening to understand another person’s perspective. What wisdom!
Your post was a good reminder that we can work to heal divides by listening earnestly and extending grace. Even when viewpoints differ greatly, we can listen without judgment and find common ground.
On a personal level, your advice to listen to your own soul rang very true. Making space for stillness and reflection allows our inner voice to surface. Thank you for these inspirational words so needed in this busy world.
I’m grateful you took the time to share this thoughtful essay on the power of mindful listening. You’ve given me much to ponder and put into practice. Wishing you the best as you continue using your writing to spread insight and encouragement.
Thanks John for posting these photos and testimonial quotes! Be the light of God shining in a world of darkness!
Thanks Jessica…go Beavers!