Who says honesty doesn’t pay off? Apparently, honesty really was the best policy for a kind homeless man whose life has now been completely turned around.
Despite his financial challenges, Billy Ray Harris, a homeless panhandler in Missouri, did the right thing when he returned a diamond ring that was mistakenly dropped into his change cup earlier this month. Proving that honesty has its rewards and wanting to show her heartfelt appreciation, Sarah Darling, the grateful owner of the ring, set up a fundraiser to help Harris out of homelessness. Since Valentine’s Day, the fund has collected more than $86,000, which is more than enough to completely turn Harris’ life around.
Since Harris’ honest good deed, cash and words of congratulations have poured in for the man whose days as a panhandler will soon be over.
“I’m not sure of how you ended up in your situation, but after what I witnessed you do, I am most definitely sure that you are a honest man with a good heart,” Volanda Shields wrote on Harris’ GiveForward page after donating $1000. “Watching you on the news the other day brought tears to my eyes because I thought of what so many others would have done.”
“Words cannot express how it feels to be a part of something like this,” Bill Krejci wrote regarding the return of his wife’s ring.
But the humbled Harris, who was raised by his minister grandfather, said the decision to return the ring was an obvious one that shouldn’t have garnered so much attention. Wow!
Apparently good does still exist in the world!
"But the humbled Harris, who was raised by his minister grandfather, said the decision to return the ring was an obvious one that shouldn't have garnered so much attention."
That certainly says a lot about the man. Also, Ms. Darling's act of appreciation says a lot about her too.
Wish I could feel as optimistic about Mr. Harris using the money to turn his life around. I think he'll give it a go. However, I wouldn't be a bit suprised if, a year from now (or when the money runs out) Mr. Harris isn't back on the streets pan-handling.
The truth is, in far too many cases, being homeless is caused primarily by *OTHER* reasons which then leads to loss of job(s) and income.