Condemned
"A great fire burns within me, but no one stops to warm themselves at it, and passersby only see a wisp of smoke."
- Vincent van Gogh
This image troubles me as much today as it did when I created it a few years back. Part of my discomfort is rooted in the fact I chose to be a photographic sniper; using a long lens to record someone without their knowledge. One of my personal standards is to always introduce myself and ask permission before pushing the shutter button. I did not do that, preferring to make the image from my car across the street and then drive off to lunch.
Asking permission in this case would have required me to wake the gentleman, and I have no idea how he would have responded. Making him aware of my presence would have completely changed the image. Perhaps, it could have made for a stronger composition, but I will never know because I elected to not engage him. I chose to avoid interacting out of my own fear and potential discomfort.
I live in a great community and am blessed with wonderful neighbors. Assisting them and loving them is quite easy. This man is my neighbor, too. A review of my faith reminds me that I am called to practice radical charity toward my neighbors and myself as well. I did not meet that standard in this encounter. I also know that nothing good will come from continuing to flog myself for failing to inquire how I might assist this man, so I am acknowledge my failing and await the next opportunity.
I think John Wesley got it right when he said,
“Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.”
Today is a great opportunity for us to do good. Where we do it is of little importance.
