It’s easy to look at someone in need and dismiss them. For many people, it’s easier to blame others for their misfortunes than to lend a hand.
But in South Texas, a woman learned that sometimes opening your heart can make all the difference.
Ginger Sprouse wasn’t always the kindest woman.
Ginger Sprouse, the owner of a cooking school in South Texas, admits that she wasn’t always compassionate. Whenever she encountered the homeless, she would give them her two cents.
Ginger reflects on this period of her life by saying:
“I would say ‘Why don’t you get a job’ or ‘What’s your problem?’ It made me very uncomfortable.”
But as time went on, Ginger didn’t like the person she was being.
Over time, Ginger grew to dislike how dismissive she was being. So she decided to roll her car window down and speak with someone in need. That led her to meet Victor Hubbard, a man she’d see on her way to work.
The conversations were always pleasant. Ginger learned Victor’s story and Victor came to look forward to Ginger’s arrival. He considered her a good friend and a warm person.
In an interview with CBS’ Steve Hartman, he said:
“People would come by and I would be like I have a friend named Ginger, she’s on her way.”
But after a few months, Ginger realized that things had to change.
It was a cold December night and Ginger thought about Victor often. Though Victor had blankets and food, she knew there was only so much comfort that that could offer during the cold winter months.
So Ginger made a decision that she would never have even considered a few months ago. But she had to talk with her husband about her plan.
Ginger knew it would be an awkward conversation but…
Ginger felt compelled to help Victor. He had become a friend and someone in need and she knew she could help.
So she asked her husband, Dean, if she could invite Victor over for a night. At least long enough to ride out the rain.
Dean admits that:
“The honest truth is, when she says I feel compelled to help this guy, how could I say no to that?”
That act of kindness changed everything for Victor.
One night turned into many and soon, Victor became a part of the family.
Ginger and Dean helped find social and medical services, introduced him to the community, and helped him get two jobs.
Now, Victor works at a burger place and at Ginger’s cooking school. Life turned around for Victor and it all began when Ginger opened her heart.
Ginger learned a lesson that we can all benefit from.
Ginger reflects on the experience and sums it up by saying:
“Life is messy, but if you’re going to love other people, you have to be willing to step into their mess.”
You don’t have to open your home to help the homeless. According to The Right to Shower, you could donate clothing, fundraise, volunteer, and more.
Check out the video below to see more about Victor and Ginger’s story!
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