Once there was a man wandering around New York City. He was gesturing to people around him and speaking what sounded like gibberish. Many people complained as he accosted people, yelling at them and walked through the streets, interrupting traffic.
Soon, he was apprehended by the police who put him in a holding cell. They called a psychiatrist to come in to evaluate him.
While they were waiting, a British tourist who had come in to report a lost wallet, overheard the man talking.
"Excuse me", he said to an officer, "I think I can help you, I speak a little French. He is saying that he was walking through the city with his grandson. When he turned around, the child was gone. He has been trying to get someone to help him".
The tourist smiled, expecting the officers to be grateful for the help. Instead, a very large officer glared at him. "Shut your mouth! We know what we're doing. This man is crazy! And if you think he's making sense, you might just be crazy! Maybe we need to lock you up as well!"
The tourist left the station and tried to find help for the man, but no one would listen. The child remained lost and the grandfather was sent to a facility where he was kept under sedation to keep him quiet and docile.
This story is ridiculous fiction, of course. In a multicultural city like New York, police officers would understand that the man was speaking a different language, and if a child was suspected of being lost, they would act immediately.
Our point is that you cannot always judge a person by what you see on the outside. Situations are not always what they appear to be. You must be open to new evidence when it comes in. There is no shame in misjudging a person or situation if you do not have all the facts, but do not let pride and ego color the decisions you make about people.
They may do the same for you one day. ~Silas
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