Clamoring
Clamoring: To make a loud compliant or demand.
There is a place where this “clamoring for a better life” is explicit and even sad. In the streets of downtown L.A., near the fashion and wholesale district, you will see many small-sized stores close together.
On these merchant streets, the store signs are really simple, and the name on the sign does not change no matter how many times the owner changes. Neither the customers, the store owners, nor the signs seem to care. The small wall outside these shops are used as a display stand.
You will see items are hung on a gray concrete wall, which is no longer noticeable behind all the items.
This is the clamor of merchants, who call out to customers.
A city rule and yellow line means that merchants are not allowed to put their wares past it. If merchants cross the line, they’ll be fined $2,000! However, the desire to stick out even an inch of things for sale and call out to passers-by means they cross that yellow line.
A day in the life of a merchant who has the burden of their entire family on their backs is like a racing horse galloping along!
“Two delicious hot dogs for $5, onion, avocado, and plenty of hot sauce on it!”
It’s the skillful cry of the lunch truck lady, her high-pitched voice tells passersby about the business of the day.
Could it be that she is crying out for her painful life of raising three children alone?
“Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton...”
Looking carefully in all directions, he who sells imitation handbags, walks in front of people and continues talking in a low tone, soliciting them. He’s another warrior who might satisfy the hunger of people thirsty for luxury goods.
Can life more forward without clamor? Do we have clamor to avoid being overwhelmed by life? Even though everyone’s situation is different, aren't we all clamoring to live well?
I dream a dream for a sincere clamoring for freedom and tolerance can become harmonious with life and its surroundings.
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)