Human Kind.

Yesterday was Halloween. A typical night for trick or treating around the neighborhood. Our church was hosting a Family Harvest Fest for all of the children and as a result, the youth group had no where to call home. We decided to try something different: trick or treating…for canned goods. Armed with Crew sweatshirts, a box and some Stone Church cards, we embarked on a nighttime adventure to discover the goodness in human beings.

I beamed proudly from the streets like a jack ‘o’ lantern as the kids went door to door requesting non-perishables not candy from unsuspecting homeowners. People were pleasantly surprised and for the most part, cooperative. Although at one home, an enormous dog jumped out of the house and on to me. I was told by the owner, “Don’t worry, he has a muzzle on!” YIKES!

I couldn’t believe how excited the kids were to collect food for other people. Surprisingly, the night was full of unsuspecting “treats.” At times like this, I start to have faith in the human race – that perhaps we can all be “bigger than ourselves” and contribute to the betterment of all humanity. Of course, this optimism only lasted so long.

Here’s a link to a horrific news story that I heard on the television this morning as I was getting ready for work:

http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/630810,CST-NWS-momshot01.article

A 30-something woman who was seven months pregnant and was accompanied by her three children, under the age of 7, was killed by gang crossfire after almost making it home after trick or treating. At times like this, I lose faith in the human race. In one moment, a mother and an unborn child ripped from this world. In that same moment, three children lost their innocence. No Halloween disguise can mask the horrendous nature of this crime. Sickening