The majority of us only think of homelessness when someone tries to clean our windshield at an overpass intersection or holds out a cup for spare change.
But homelessness happens in other ways, too. In many cases we are just inches away from no longer having a door to lock at night or covers to keep warm. And then there are those of us who live in a home, but begin to discover that we exist in a homeless state of mind – finding it easier to care for complete strangers on the other side of the world than to serve those starving for love right under our own roof, where many family members may believe they have no options and no other place to go, just like the homeless.
Every person who is homeless remembers his or her first day on the streets. Can you recall the first day you stopped caring for anyone but your own feelings of fear? Were you absolutely terrified in its loneliness or were you so detached from the love of the Lord that you hardly even noticed?
We can choose right now to wake from these nightmares of regrets. We can play a part in providing second beginnings for all sorts of reasons to those within our families and around the neighborhood, always toward connecting one to another, to us.
The homeless have a gift in the Salvation Army that offers just enough security to rest while figuring out options and the next step to take. For the heartless as well as the homeless there is the gift of Christ’s salvation in its pardon, and through the transforming power of the Spirit, the ability to see through His eyes and act out in His love to those who have contributed to our pain and loss.
The first step in all of this is simply to introduce yourself. Here… I’ll start: “Hello, my name is Marti and I no longer wish to live in a homeless state of mind. My heart hurts for you. Won’t you come in and make yourself comfortable?”
John Fischer The Catch 
Marti,
Such a gooooooooood idea! I am going to contact my MK friends about sending a package.
Have a blessed day,
Jamie Wolff
A gift via Bath & Body Works is on the way Marti. Thank you for the opportunity to share with our sisters in need. Here’s the $10 off any item promotional code I used when ordering – F102785 – from their website.
The post above is different from the one I received…???? Wanted to ask about the gift – being in Canada the cost of shipping would add a lot – any way to have you be the shopper??? – and me be the donor??? Please respond via email. Thank you
In our town, as it is elsewhere, there are social agencies that address the problem of homelessness. In our town, as it is elsewhere, there are happy evangelical churches that look after their own but are ignorant about the plight of the homeless. I am attempting to enjoin the two. A shift has taken place in Western society whereby the compassionate care of the marinalized has moved from the church to the legislatures of public policy. How damning an inditement of those who profess to follow the lead of Jesus Christ.
I’m afraid I have to agree with you.
Marti,
Have sent a gift your way. It should arrive between Monday and Wed. Hope it will be in time for your event. Thank you for the opportunity to share this with you. Also thank you for raising my awareness of true homelessness. God bless….
A small package is in the mail. I appreciate your efforts to bring joy to those that are hurting.
Thank you!