Written By Ken Hulsey
Over the years, I’ve come to understand a profound truth echoed in the saying, “you can never judge a book by its cover.” This insight holds particularly true when it comes to our fellow human beings. Each person is a tapestry of experiences, weaving together a unique journey that shapes who they are. It is important to remember that we cannot fully grasp where someone is in their life’s path just by a fleeting encounter.I was reminded of this lesson in a powerful way at our local post office. A man entered, riding a bicycle typically associated with girls and carrying a large portable speaker blaring gangster rap. His attire resembled that of individuals I had seen on the tough streets of South Central Los Angeles, topped off by a Miami Dolphins cap worn sideways. In that moment, I mistakenly labeled him as a thug based on what I perceived.
As I gathered my mail, this so-called thug noticed a pair of keys left behind in a nearby mailbox. He called out, “Anyone in the back who can hear me, I found these keys in this mailbox. They aren’t mine, so I’m going to leave them here so the owner can reclaim them.” He turned to me and added, “I don’t want anyone thinking I’m up to something.” I reassured him, “You shouldn’t worry about that; you did the right thing.” He responded, “No, I did the godly thing,” sparking a ten-minute conversation about Jesus.
My new friend shared an unexpected insight: “I bet you wouldn’t think someone like me would love Jesus, would you?” At that moment, I noticed a large tattoo of Jesus on his shoulder. He further enlightened me with, “The only person who can defeat me is me. This flesh is my only weakness. As long as I keep my mind and soul focused on the Savior, I have victory.” He emphasized, “It’s not about the color of our skin; you and I are brothers in Christ. We belong to the same family.”
Our conversation concluded with a heartfelt handshake and a long, spirit-filled hug. As we parted ways, he shared his commitment to giving back, saying, “Have you seen those ‘Feed the Children’ ads on TV? You see this envelope? It’s simple; I just put my check in here and drop it in the box. This is the second time I’ve done it. You’ve got to give what you can.”
This encounter profoundly moved me. I realized how wrong I was to judge this man solely by his appearance. In that moment, the Lord taught me that true character and one’s relationship with Jesus define a person far more than outward appearances. We must strive to avoid making assumptions about others based on superficial judgments, remembering that every individual carries a story we may not yet know.
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