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JUDGEMENT HAS NO HOME HERE

A Son
A Father
A brother
A Sister
A Mother
A Daughter
A Friend
Our friends, our community, ours to love.  

Homeless populations are often tossed aside as if they are somehow “lesser than,” as if they are somehow not as human as you or I. Homeless individuals are also often judged as though they must possess some fundamentally flawed character traits.  But in truth, you and I are not immune to the things that can lead to homelessness.  You and I are no better than the brothers and sisters living on the streets.  You and I in God’s eyes are the same as those people considered lesser human beings by “non” homeless people. All of us are God’s children and he loves all of us the same.  No matter our circumstances. 

On our route tonight I notice more tents popping up in new places, and we meet new folks on the street.  Some just released from prison, some struggling to get housing because they are not “homeless enough”.  (Work on that one for a while).  But we also celebrate some successes with people getting housing after long periods of time on the street.  Sometimes if can be frustrating when you feel helpless with someone and their circumstances and you don’t know what to do for them.  I love being part of this community and having this constant reminder that we are all one and the same.  It does drain you at times though.   I was feeling a little “down” that I can’t do more to help these folks and at one of our last stops for the evening, someone came up behind me and gave me a huge bear hug.  She wrapped her arms around me and said I missed you.  It was a gal who lives in a tent at the courtyard.  She’s a sweet lady who wants to take care of people.  God showed up then and lifted my spirits.  Her hug meant so much and it was a moment where I was reminded again that, we can’t always fix the problems on the street, but we can show up.  It was uplifting and humbling at the same time to receive that hug tonight.  

1 Peter 3:8
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.


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