Every year for the past six years I post this picture and this message in early Fall. It was part of a series I did in 2015 called “The Unseen” featuring people down on their luck. I could never have foreseen the degree to which these images would become the tip of a much bigger crisis today. As a reminder: Almost every time I photograph someone in moments like this, I put whatever monies I have in my pocket into their cup.

And then wonder how we got here - in cities all around the world.

Some people consider me foolish. They’re scamming you, they say, just for money. You’re not really helping, they say. Maybe. But I’ve spent $10 or $20 on far dumber things than the possibility that their plight is real. And walking by without doing what I could, would certainly cost my soul far, far more.

A cost far greater than we may realize.

We all find ourselves holding out our cups, from time to time. Looking for a little kindness from a friend, a stranger, a passerby. A moment of patience, a little hope, a smile or hug. A tiny moment of help that’s become scarce. Moreso, online.

Sadly, many cups go empty. Or worse, drained. By complete strangers, sometimes by people we know; and even by our own actions.

Some cups are withdrawn, conversations exhausted without replenishing. Broken politics and wild public actions; no wonder we can’t even agree on the basics.

Empty cups leave us hardened, scoffing, angry. We walk by Unseeing the story - the person - on the other side. I have photos of those moments, too. The road rage, mocking in the airport and brawls in the streets.

We’re quick to cut others off. Then spend our days staring at selfies. We drive like maniacs, walk around unaware of others, then scream for attention on social media.

It’s not a paradox.

We are often so close to our humanity we can taste it. And yet, so far.

I have no idea how to fix it all.
I only know what I can do.
See a stranger, invest a care.
See a problem, do a bit to help.
See a question, answer it openly.
See a cup, drop in a little Change.

The world is holding out its cup right now.
Me. You. The Unseen.
We’re hungry, I think, for a few morsels.
Of something different, more.

It’s so close, I can almost taste it.
If we don’t turn a blind eye, maybe
drop in a few coins ourselves first.

And not risk leaving it all unseen.

#alwaysinspiring