Second chances

HI Everyone,
For those on FB, you know that I am enamored with the story of Mr. Ted Williams. He was a homeless man for the last 10 or so years and he has a golden voice! He went to school for radio announcing and had a great career until the early 90's when drugs and alcohol, admittedly, took over and he lost his home, family and found himself on the street. He also admits he did petty crimes (nothing violent) to feed his drug habit. In the last year, he has found a wonderful relationship with God and has been sober for over 2 years. He was panhandling on the street and was SO respectful, positive and kind to passersby, that they would come BACK to hear his voice.
3 days ago a reporter came by with a video camera and it went viral.
Now, he has job offers, a new apartment and did the voice over to start the Today show this morning. He is eloquent, polite and well spoken and SOOO thankful for this second chance. It was amazed to be at the Today show, since he grew up in NYC and watched Today his whole life.
He had been praying that his Mom would live long enough to see him bring himself back from the low points of his life.
He lives by the Golden Rule-treat others as you want to be treated.
Now, this hit a cord with me and I think it applies to all of us.
Never judge a book by its cover, don't judge people in general and everyone deserves a second chance. Ok, there ARE instances where a few people on this planet who may not deserve a second chance. (Mass murderers, child killers...)
Mr. Williams asked that we, as people, not judge the homeless. And, honestly, we shouldn't judge ANYone.
Oh and don't judge yourself by the way and beat yourself up.
Mr. Williams was at the lowest point any person can be. He was drug addicted, living on the street and he maintained his character and politeness, is in recovery from his drug addiction and thanks God for every, single day. He remained positive and as he walked through his journey he learned something about himself and it has brought him to this day, the day when his life turns around and he gets to decide what happens next.
We all get second chances in life, maybe not this dramatic, but we get them. I know I have.
And, like I always say, it's how you get back UP in life that shows your character.
So, when you're presented with your second chance-make sure you grab it with both hands just like Mr. Williams!