When you hear the words "poverty" and "homeless" what do you visualize? Maybe you think of the images that we see of children living in remote villages or those that stand on street corners holding cardboard signs. That is what I thought of until four years ago when my eyes were opened. On a journey that only God could orchestrate I found myself working at a homeless shelter for women and children. My eyes were opened to the poverty that existed not just overseas, but minutes from my backyard. Poverty was once a term that I knew only at a distance, but now has a name. To me, poverty is the mom, that I will call "Grace." Grace is a mom that came directly to a homeless shelter after giving birth to her newborn son. Poverty is another mom that I will call "Hope." She became homeless after losing her job and slept nights in her car with her three teenage sons. Poverty is a woman that became homeless to escape an abusive spouse. I could go on and on sharing stories and scenarios that would leave you in tears.
After only working a few days at the shelter, I began asking God why? Why did you lead me here? Why did you make me leave my "comfortable" suburban existence? The answer didn't come quickly...but it came. Here is what I learned:
1) When we are comfortable...we don't change! God never promised us an easy and comfortable life. He requires us to be stretched for His glory. When we are weak...He is strong. Being comfortable is overrated.
2) Joy and laughter can be found in the midst of crisis. If you don't believe this, come visit our playroom or join us on Christmas morning.
3) Hope never fails! I have watched situations that seemed dire and bleak become beautiful and prosperous.
4) When people come together for a common cause, great things can happen.
5) Being used by God is AWESOME!!!!
I hope to occasionally share about the shelter through this blog. My prayer is that it will inspire you to seek God's direction for your life and to be open to where He leads. He may surprise you and lead you to an amazing and "uncomfortable" situation!
Be blessed!
Joy
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