I've been walking downtown now for 6 months helping the homeless and those who just seem to be in need. When I first started I thought it might be interesting to check it out and see what happens. I didn't know that God had much more in store for me.
Some day's can be tough. So many people are hurting and lonely. For a long time I didn't know how to handle it. I would pray to God and ask him WHY WHY WHY! and then I'd feel like giving up and not going out. But then, Saturday would come and I couldn't help but go out again. This kept happening to me, I'd get depressed and angry and Saturday would come and I'd go out. One of the people on the streets that we meet sometimes is Freda. One particular Saturday I found out that she had been on the Streets for 16 years. The sadness she had in her eyes was just to much for me to bear. I went home that day from my walk and cried for at least an hour. I prayed constantly to God asking why he would let this happen to this elderly woman. I also prayed to find a way to help if not cure homelessness. I was so distraught about it. After about two continuous weeks of praying God gave me my answer. He told me that it wasn't my job to cure homelessness and I can' t help everyone. My job is to bring joy to those I come in contact with. He also let me know that there is no cure for homelessness and that there will always be "haves and have nots". He also let me know that it's OK for me to go home to my family and be thankful for my blessings. Not only did he give me answers but he lifted the burden I was carrying. I'm no longer depressed or sad but am grateful to be able to help those I meet and am now able to enjoy the time I share with them.
I don't want to end this post with it sounding like we are out there not having any fun. We have some really great days. Like when me met Boomer. Boomer is a parrot. His owner has him trained to do tricks to a ringing bell. That was a fun day! We also get to meet lots of interesting people who like to share where they've been and where they are going. Some people are just passing through on the way to new jobs and it's fun to hear about their travels on the road. We have a few friends that we see often and it's just nice to chit chat. Not only is it fun to see our friends on the streets but it's fun just hanging out with our group talking and laughing. When we are walking, I sometimes envision if that's what Jesus and the disciples where doing. Walking, talking and laughing.
God Bless
Little Dawn
