January 19, 2009 – Monday
Mission in Citrus – Homeless
Current mood: blessed
Alcoholics, Drug Abusers, Prison Sentences – Is this what comes to your mind when I speak of Homeless People? Most have already judged or stereotyped them. Most are hesitant to come close let alone even think of giving them a hug.
It’s been almost 4 months I have been without a job and yet GOD provides. We all know the economy. We read about the foreclosures and the continuing layoffs. We hear about the repossessions and the retail outlook. Does it make you smile? Doubtful. Are you worried you or your children will go without? Or maybe do we just need to take time to redefine our actual wants versus our NEEDS. Maybe we need to show people what some of us can only say, and that is that people are more important than things. My kids will know this. They have been with me to the shelter and will be again when this is all said and done.
Do you pray about your struggles and hand it over to GOD knowing he can handle it? Or do you go to church and when you leave the doors go to brunch and do nothing because the world you live in is all that matters and you have all you need? I am not perfect. Only one person is.
I grew up never wanting for anything. Materialistically at least, I had it all. Does it do me any good today? No. It is just stuff. Most I will never be able to afford again. It will be rare I will even own my own house, but I have a roof over my head. It is rare you will ever see me deny anyone of help financially or physically because I can’t stand to see them suffer. Would I hand my last penny to a stranger? Yes.
I have contemplated and asked God many times to show me his will and how he wants to use me. People say go to school, change careers, open your own business. But it all comes down to this folks. I just wanna help others. I don’t ask for anything in return except a thank you and a little respect.
My internet search to volunteer led me to the Mission in Citrus Homeless Shelter. Life has changed since that day. The shelter has changed. I met people both willing and hesitant to talk, some just looking for love and some wondering how to make their life better. The shelter offered them a bed, food, clean clothes, and a plan to get their life on track. We were headed in the right direction. But you see, when the director went into the hospital things went downhill and we had to temporarily put a hold on the Mission. We were evicted.
Our founder, Jim Sleighter, had a 12-hour heart surgery and to this day is still recovering. It was a miracle he survived and now that he has and is recovering well – it just shows God’s greater plan for his life. His dream to help the homeless will go on, and I for one will be there beside him for the ride. We have now re-opened in Crystal River.
I understand life is about choices. And we have to be responsible for our choices – good or bad. Many of these folks have made bad choices and that is why they are here. There are others who have done nothing but grow up in an unacceptable home environment or fallen down on their luck.
We have all sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God. So do you give up on each other then?
I ask you, even during these most difficult financial times that you help us rebuild. When you are in your bed tonight all warm, think about who is in the woods and if they are lucky to have a tent or a blanket. Think about the next time you spend $5 for a label coffee, what that money could do for another. Just think about it and pray.
See folks, there are no guarantees in life. There are no promises that your tomorrow will come. I am not shooting for the nicest house, car, or clothes. I am only hoping to impact lives along the way. I am not looking to judge or be judged – but with an open heart and prayer – touch someone else and let them know they are loved. Is that not the greatest reward in itself? Material satisfaction is fleeting. To change a life and see that person change a life, and that person change a life – is so much more.
So as you go about your week, please take a moment to visit www.missionincitrus.com. Read the website and PRAY, PRAY, PRAY. Whether it is financial, volunteers, or prayers – we will willingly and graciously accept it. We need to get funds, we have nothing. We are brainstorming and need help. GOD will have us finish his plan and when we get to Heaven we can thank him ourselves for the many blessings.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. Love & Hugs to you all.
Janeen
“If any of your Israelite relatives fall into poverty and cannot support themselves, support them as you would a resident foreigner and allow them to live with you. Do not demand an advance or charge interest on the money you lend them. Instead, show your fear of God by letting them live with you as your relatives” (Leviticus 25:35-36).