Behind every smile: Lessons on prejudice and faith while boondocking

Behind every smile, there’s often a story of resilience, joy, or even hidden pain. Behind every silent tear, there’s a depth of emotion—grief, longing, or quiet strength. Both carry unspoken truths shaped by personal experiences.

We look at people each day, but do we actually see them? When we do see them, what sort of assumptions do we project onto them?

My RV has a certain look to it — a “tweaker” look

Short summary

In this reflective piece, the author shares a personal experience of being judged while boondocking. By contrasting outward appearances with the internal “battle for the mind,” the article explores how easily we fall into the trap of prejudice. Drawing on biblical truths from 1 Peter and Galatians, it serves as a call to look past assumptions and treat every person with the understanding, kindness, and compassion that God requires of us.

Facing prejudices on the road

My RV has a certain look to it — a tweaker look. People think, “Oh, this is some homeless person on drugs.” Others call the cops or the police themselves single me out to check and make sure I’m not a crazy guy in the forest. However, I must say that every police officer has been professional and kind. They quickly learn that I’m not methed out and that I keep things tidy.

But it doesn’t change perspective or prejudices. We are human, after all, and it’s easy to fall into that trap. Frankly, I’ve seen the tweaker camps and the mountains of trash they leave behind, so I can’t exactly blame law enforcement. It is best to find out before something becomes a problem.

The internal battle of the mind

But behind every smile and behind every silent tear, souls strive to navigate life’s winding path. No one knows the storms that brew internally. As you very well know, the battle for the mind rages fiercely— especially among disciples of Christ. The enemy lurks in the shadows, poised to attack at any moment, for the mind wields immense power. And as he prowls around, he does it as a roaring lion.

A troubled mind twists thoughts, leading to shadowed realms. It can sicken the body and chain the spirit, holding us captive in its grip. The mind will hold us prisoner if we let it.

Seeing beyond the surface

A smile might spark assumptions of carefree joy, success, or confidence, while we may dismiss the wearer as “having it all together.” A silent tear might prompt pity, judgments of weakness, or guesses at personal tragedy, yet we rarely imagine the full weight of their struggle. We project our own experiences, cultural lenses, or fleeting impressions, forgetting the hidden battles— forgetting everyone is human to the point we become inhumane ourselves.

Walking with compassion

We all have a story to tell and a time to tell it. As we continue through the day, let us not walk on eggshells in worry about how others are deep within, but walk with understanding and compassion.

Let us not search for things to justify our thoughts or deeds. Let us do good because it’s simply the right thing to do without regard to its reward. Because we will reap a reward in due time, for God is pleased by the good we do.

Bible verses of interest:

• Psalm 10:8-10
• 1 Peter 5:8
• Galatians 6:9-10
• Hebrews 13:16