Thanks, Mr. Stranger!

It was a beautiful spring day in Cincinnati, Ohio, and I had been cooped up in meetings in a hotel the entire day. I was tired. I was bored. I needed to get out of that hotel. I needed some fresh air, so I decided to go for a walk and enjoy the pleasantness of the afternoon.

I had never been to Cincinnati before. I stepped out of the hotel, just wanting to be by myself, enjoy the cool breeze, and let my mind go where it wanted to go. I started walking and letting my mind relax with superficial thoughts freely moving in and out of my awareness. The setting was peaceful, the sun was warm and soothing, the neighborhood was interesting, and the people were casually standing on the sidewalk or sitting on their porches enjoying the lazy, comfortable afternoon.

After walking for about 30 minutes, I noticed a little park and some benches where I could sit and relax for a few minutes. I crossed the street and walked past a man who grabbed me from behind and wrapped his powerful right arm around my neck. He was a tall black man, maybe 10 years my senior, clearly larger and stronger than me.

Obviously, my adrenaline started pumping and my nerves reacted. I was afraid and thought I would be hurt or at least robbed, but his calm, steady, confident voice immediately let me know that all would be well. What he did next surprised me and made me grateful for his presence and concern for me.

His voice engendered a sense of trust as he said, “I’m going to slowly turn you around to show you something. Don’t be afraid.”

His voice soothed me as he gently turned me towards the street from where I had just come. “See those three men over there?” he asked me. “They are following you and want to rob you. They see me holding you and think I just robbed you. When I release you, walk back down the street from where you just came. Don’t look back. You will be all right.”

I followed his advice and quickly made my way back the way I had come. I reached the hotel full of gratitude and appreciation for that stranger.

Embedded in this story are many difficult and disturbing topics we need to face to create the kind of just, equal and cooperative society I believe we are capable of becoming. 

Today I want to focus on gratitude for good people who watch out and care for others, no matter their color, age, gender, or any other attribute. This man didn't have to help me. He knew my danger and went out of his way to help a stranger in need. Since that day I have tried to focus on the truth that most people are good people who take pleasure and pride in being friendly, helpful, and trustworthy.

With our current tensions and disruptions, it is more important than ever that we teach our children to respect and value diversity and be careful of judgments based on perceived differences. The road to major, lasting change will not be an easy path, but one that is worth the effort. Along the way, we have a wonderful opportunity to help each other see the goodness in people and the possibilities for greatness in our future together.

Happy Failing Forward,

Calvert