Being Noticed

Principal Michael Glynn, of Central Community Elementary School in Corinth, Maine, recently reported on an activity three of the fifth-grade teachers are doing. Every school day in February, Mrs. Dawe, Mrs. Hart, and Mrs. Poulin add a heart to each of their student’s lockers with a word that describes the person. It is not required. They choose to do so, “Because they believe kids should see proof, every single day, that someone notices who they are becoming. This is how confidence is built. This is how belonging is built. This is how kids become brave enough to be themselves.”

 

People at First Baptist Church of Conroe are collecting gently used formal dresses for their “Princess Gowns” event. The month before prom Junior and Senior young ladies of Montgomery County can go by the church, try on dresses, and select one to have at no cost.

 

Gladys, 67, has been the receptionist at Rosie’s Hair Salon for 16 years. She answers the phone, schedules appointments, and puts out magazines. Gladys also observes and listens. Mrs. Chen, 81, calls and makes hair appointments very six weeks. The day before she is to get her hair cut and styled, she calls and says something has come up and she cancels her appointment. The next time she called Gladys asked Mrs. Chen why she could not come. With tears she explained that after she paid the rent, bills, and bought food she didn’t have enough for her hair. When Gladys told Rosie, she was asked to call Mrs. Chen to come in for her appointment. After her haircut, there happened to be a computer glitch so she didn’t need to pay. Gladys started a quiet list, which was approved by Rosie. Mr. Phillips’ hands shook so much that he couldn’t get a clean shave. A young mother, who had just left a shelter, needed a haircut so she could interview for a job. Both were taken care of with no charge. When regular customers noticed, they began leaving donations for the fund. Mrs. Chen now comes to her appointment every six weeks. Last month, the new stylist, 23-years old, told Gladys, “My mom used to bring me here when I was little. We were so broke. But Rosie never charged us. I thought it was charity. It wasn’t charity, it was dignity. That’s why I became a hairstylist.” She then handed Gladys an envelope and said, “I want to sponsor one person a week forever.” Yes, she is the receptionist, but Gladys says, “People don’t just need services. They need to feel worth the effort. They need to feel seen.”

 

May we have perfect vision when it comes to helping others know they are seen.

 

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

John 13:35