The Weird and the Wicked

"Wow, the rain really brings the weird people out."

I knew she said it without any adverse connotations, but I couldn't help feeling bothered by the comment.  The "weird people" she was referring to were the homeless, many of which were struggling to stay dry, fed, and sane.  Those trying to attain the simple things that we don't even give a thought to.  Her words reminded me of the unjust dehumanization that many homeless face on a daily basis.  Yes, there are those of them that engage in absurd mannerisms, yelling aimlessly out into the street or staring crazy-eyed at every passerby.  Or those that have allowed drugs to be the sole purpose of their existence, leaving them wasted, penniless, and without mental awareness.  Many have created homelessness for themselves, but who are we to judge even the possibility of someone who has perhaps encountered devastating tragedies or illnesses?  Society's aversion of the homeless and it's cavalier attitude toward their situation is aggravating.  Should we not look upon those less fortunate than us and feel gratified that we have been blessed with so much more?  Why don't we use our overabundance of wealth or time to touch the lives that are seeking the common necessities that everyone desires?  Why do we stare at them with such an utter disdain, feeling that we are greater because of the affluence that has been endowed to us?  In the words of Depeche Mode, "People are people"; in the eyes of our Creator, everyone is wicked and equally deserving of the depths of Hell (Psalm 9:17).