The Silent Cry

"The face is a picture of the mind as the eyes are its interpreter." ~Cicero    
"The eyes are the window of the soul." ~William Shakespear
"The light of the body is the eye." ~Matthew 6:22

If evidence of our condition comes through our eyes because eyes are the windows to our soul, or if our face betrays what's on our mind; there are many souls walking the surface of our planet that is in deep despair. And their silent cries are deafening. Their eyes are covered in a mist that has created numerous, indifferent responses without so much of a glance in the direction of any question that may be asked of them. They are everywhere but the geographic space their body stands upon.

Of late, it has grabbed my heart in a way I never expected. Possibly, because I have dealt with deep sadness; a loneliness in my spirit. At first, I was just annoyed when coming face to face with what I perceived to be a less than admirable attitude. I've complained to my husband, my daughters, and most likely to anyone that would listen. It's so very hard to tolerate an attitude of indifference. Research has shown that 68% of customers do not return to an establishment because they have experienced an attitude of indifference in those serving them. I can verify that is certainly the case with me. I have way too many options to have to subject myself to people who couldn't care less if I shop with them, or not.

I really don't expect anyone to kiss my queenly hand, but it would be nice to give me a quick "I see you" glance and possibly a slight uplifting at the corners of their mouth. Especially if I'm in their check-out lane at the grocery store, or department store. Or sitting at their table, or booth, in the restaurant where they are employed. It just unnerves me. At the very least, it's impolite. And...I've always decided the amount of tip to leave, simply by the attitude with which one served me.

Of late, my heart has hurt for the sadness (indifference) I see in people's eyes (their souls?). I rarely see smiling faces when I'm out and about. Everyone seems to be in their own little world. And it's not just at places of service. I see them walking down the street, driving a car, standing in line. That world doesn't look like a place I'd want to live, even though I have found myself visiting that place on occasion.

Why do we brush people off so quickly? Have we decided they are just miserable people to be left alone? Or maybe, just maybe, they wish someone cared enough about them, to offer friendship or just a smile. A real smile. Surely I'm not the only person who enjoys seeing happy people or receive the "I see you" smile.

Because we have a story, we can bet that everyone else has a story, as well. Stories of hurt, of deep pain, of hope lost, of uncertainty. Stories of loneliness and deafening silence, of shattered dreams of a simple, peaceful existence. Those are the people who need to see life still IS worth living.

Do we have a part in making sure they know this? If so, what does that look like? How could the silent people, who have the Words of Life, speak up, without offending or sounding self-righteous?

It's also been said that "actions speak louder than words." ~Abraham Lincoln

Maybe we can just start with a smile...

Sorting through my thoughts, here you'll find me, in Mary's World.