Don't Be A Poser

It has become clear (to me) after much listening, observing, inferring, and research that generally people who are loudest about changing, healing, helping and/or saving the world are the individuals who do the least to further this cause. And, the individuals who do not make bold pronouncements or arbitrarily give the masses advice are the ones who do and are changing, healing, helping and/or saving the world. It is a classic example of the adage actions speak louder than words.I was once on the band wagon of the written word. It is after all a very powerful tool. But, without being backed by clear action the writers of these words become, for lack of a better word, posers. (Poser-one who pretends or displays) As I stated earlier I was once a poser. At this point, it is important to clarify that I am not speaking of novelist or story tellers, unless of course the novel or story is/was intended to teach a lesson or give advice. I was neither a story teller nor a novelist. I was a writer of poetry and rhetoric. I would proudly type my thoughts and beliefs, send them out into cyberspace, and walk away feeling pretty damn good about myself. Until, a college class forced me to begin volunteering my time and energy to those who actually needed it. They certainly did not need my writings. They needed my listening skills, my money, my time, my friendship, my hope, hell they needed a ride to the doctor, not a poem, not pretty words. Overtime, I began to notice that the true helpers were quite, non-obtrusive, and had a smoldering anger about them. I began to learn that I never really helped further the words I so emphatically wrote. And, I chastised myself for this.I want to be clear that I am not writing about recycling or cutting the lights off when leaving a room. Sure, our environment is important, but not as important as the immediate needs of the masses. Since this first experience, I have volunteered in several different capacities. (Elementary schools, a children’s home for neglected and abandoned children, AIDS walks and auctions, nursing homes, etc.) Slowly, I began to feel the smoldering anger that many devoted volunteers and social workers carry around with them. However, nothing in me smolders, in me fires rage. In me the anger manifested itself into contempt and indifference for those who only write and speak of helping and do nothing but attend a church, spoil their children, or give excuses that they have no time. At this point one could and should ask the questions why the anger? Where does it come from? In answer to the later, I do not know. But as far as “why” I may be able to give some what of an explanation. Helping others is not profitable and it is thankless. Other occupations that help no one in need are far more profitable. This lack of recognition is the root of the anger. In me there is another contributor to my contempt, the need to expose not only myself but others for being the posers that they are.I have no problem with those who do not claim to or even want to help others. That is their decision. My contempt is directed to those who claim to want to change the world but does nothing concrete to attain their goal. It is to them I present this challenge. Do what you say and say what you mean, volunteer your time, give money even if it means your own child will go without, donate what you do not need, and most important do not expect anything in return.