Your suggestions for January’s Isaiah House theme have been overwhelming. While we can’t honor them all in January, you have given us enough ideas to last the rest of the year and then some! Thanks to everyone who participated.
It’s amazing to watch how the guests of Isaiah House are bringing us an opportunity to reach beyond ourselves and make a real difference in the lives of some pretty special people. Who would have thought that this global connection could have such a reach and such a direct human application? This is not the mere cause of homelessness we are talking about; we have connected to the psychological fears of most women, regardless of their level of wealth and their varying degrees.
I have watched in amazement as each month, Marti overcomes her fear afresh and even gains strength from being close to these women. I know her. I know this fear is real. I remember how surprised I was when I first discovered it in relation to bag ladies we’d encounter in various places, pulling all their earthly possessions in overloaded shopping carts. I used to think she was kidding when she talked about the fear of homelessness that seeing them brought up in her. I didn’t understand it then, and I don’t understand it now, except I have come to accept it as a reality in her life. Which makes it all the more impressive how she throws herself into the project. It’s as if getting close to her fear is empowering her, and I think we could all learn something from her.
Our natural reaction to fear is to run – to put as much distance as possible between us and that which is causing our fear. Get in and get out. And I suppose there are instances when that is the right thing to do, when the fear is a legitimate response to some outside threat. But in my case as in Marti’s, I’ve noticed that my fears most often come from within – things which are my responsibility to handle. These are fears that need to be overcome in order for me to grow. So when I see Marti getting right up next to these women – see her understanding them, honoring them and bringing them joy – I see also what I need to do in relation to my fears.
What about you? Have you got any fears you need to get close to?
John Fischer The Catch 
John,
I thought I had sufficient faith to handle most crisis over the last 72 years.
My wife is slipping into Alzheimers and is losing her sense of life/living.
I am faced with the fear of not being able to care for her emotionally and spiritually.
I need God’s Love to sustain us. I’m feeling almost spiritually empty…..kind of “homeless”. I sometimes feel alone. I think I’ll pray.
Thanks for your messages of encouragement, John.
JTB
I have a friend who choses a word to live by for the year each January 1. I have often thought of what a good idea that is–and now you have given me one–“overcoming.” I am certain you will get a huge response on this one, as we all have so many fears. I am dealing with orthopedic–as well as many others health issues–and am facing a fourth surgery in as many years. However, I fear mostly for others in my life: an energetic husband who who cares for me, but he is 87–and I know those years of energy can’t last forever; a grandson who deals with rehabilitation for drug issues; and on and on. However, what I really want to comment on, is the way you speak of the value you find in working with the homeless. You could be pompous and self-righteous about what you are doing–boast of your own goodness as you give time and energy for those less fortunate, but instead you speak of eloquently on what you and Marti gain from your service. It is a reminder that we always gain more than we give when working with those less fortunate.
A lot of my current fears are related to being unemployed since September. Since I’m single and live 350 miles from family then having seeming isolation makes things difficult. I’ve got people at my church who listen and are encouraging when I ask but…hanging on to faith that His plan is there and will be apparent when the timing is right is the tough part. I saw a sign somewhere which reads that “there are 3 answers to prayer: yes, no, and I’ve got something better in mind.” Having the morale and energy levels drop out from under me periodically & suddenly for the last few weeks doesn’t help.
A related fear is that since I’m single and my brother and his wife don’t appear to be planning on having kids, then when I’m elderly-who will I have for support?
My others are that in the last couple of years, when I’m in crowds I crawl out of my skin as it’s so overwhelming and I have to psych myself up to do stuff that before would have been easier (things like going to new places).
These are probably pale in comparison to other people’s fears but they’re what trip me up.
Fear is something that I have been struggling with lately. I have 2 large fears: being alone & failing. My fears of failing & doing things alone have prevented me from fulfilling (or at least attempting to fulfill) most of my dreams. And I am now trying to decide if I have the courage to leave my failed marriage & raise my son as a single mom. (No, I have no concerns for our safety.) But while I do not believe in divorce, I also do not think I should have to live my life with something I do not like nor with something that does not like me. But that leaves me raising a child ALONE, and also admitting to a FAILED marriage. I think “Overcome” is a great word of the year.
Failure is something we all deal with. It is and will be a part of our lives. You need to make decisions based on what is best for you and those you love regardless of whether failure is part of it or not.
I have a suggestion for Marti. I’ve used this website for my small country church ladies night out program. It supplies theme ideas, devotionals, decoration ideas, food suggestions, game suggestions, door prize ideas even craft and favor ideas. I’m sure she could refine it all as needed for Isaiah House. http://www.juliabettencourt.com
Good luck and God Bless.
Thanks so much… this is very helpful.
I have an ambiguous relation to fear. I guess I still run away from it much too often, but there are aspects in my life where I find a certain dose of fear rather useful. It raises our attention to problems, and, if we do not allow our fear to overcome us, then it can also make us strong(er) and humble at the same time.
When it does overcome us, then it becomes a serious problem, of course. It can paralyse us, and it can become a burden that is very hard to bear. This is also why I am ambiguous when it comes to fear. It is an emotion that can be useful, but also dangerous, and quite often it is very difficult to make the best out of it. Still, I would like to caution against calling it a dangerous, or a bad emotion, because I do simply not believe that ‘fear’ is THAT easy to categorise.
This is very insightful and an important point you make. I think you are right on.
Like Marti, for years I had the bag lady fear. I was just sure I would end up penniless on the streets. At 66, I am over it. My ministry is with young women, so I haven’t faced homeless women too often. I just don’t worry about it anymore. The fear went away. Thanks be to God!