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The View From The Bottom
By dogfish,
21 January 2019
·
2,242 views
Living a Christian Life Devotional
Being unemployed, homeless, hitting rock bottom, is not very much fun. I know because I was there once not too long ago. Due to circumstances beyond my control I had lost virtually everything I owned, spent time in shelters, wandered the streets looking for things to get me thru the day, begging, even had to sleep in a park for a while. It was rough going, but I know it could have been much worse. I could have lost more. I could even have lost my faith and turned against God, but instead I used the time to get to know The Lord better - much of it in libraries. I learned some things, but this isn't about me. It's about never letting go of your faith, and people that are on the edge.
'... for He has said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you. ' (Heb 13:5)
It amazed me how insignificant and invisible you become, but you adapt. Most people tend to turn away from you - maybe even walk on the other side of the street - because they have better things to do or want nothing to do with someone not looking so hot and carrying stuff in a bag (which is usually all of their worldly possessions). A few people may keep an eye on you, but only because they think you're just a derelict looking for trouble or who knows what. I met many people out there who were previously better off than I was. Respectable, educated, leaders, had a great job and a good life, and now they too had fallen 'off the grid'.
Initially, I wondered where 'the church' was and why they didn't seem to be helping anybody. I found it in the shelters. They were the ones providing everything they possibly could to the needy - food, clothing, a bed, a roof, their time, and much more. Thanks be to God, again and always.
Homeless shelters can be a vital help if you're out of options, but they are not a permanent fix, and I can guarantee you that there are more people trying to get into them than they can possibly hold. If you come across one of those (they're out there) I would encourage you to think a moment and offer help if you can. They always need something - even prayer - and they do appreciate every little thing. If you are actually living in a shelter right now and are reading this: never give up !
'For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.' (Hos 6:6)
~dogfish 1.21.19
'... for He has said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you. ' (Heb 13:5)
It amazed me how insignificant and invisible you become, but you adapt. Most people tend to turn away from you - maybe even walk on the other side of the street - because they have better things to do or want nothing to do with someone not looking so hot and carrying stuff in a bag (which is usually all of their worldly possessions). A few people may keep an eye on you, but only because they think you're just a derelict looking for trouble or who knows what. I met many people out there who were previously better off than I was. Respectable, educated, leaders, had a great job and a good life, and now they too had fallen 'off the grid'.
Initially, I wondered where 'the church' was and why they didn't seem to be helping anybody. I found it in the shelters. They were the ones providing everything they possibly could to the needy - food, clothing, a bed, a roof, their time, and much more. Thanks be to God, again and always.
Homeless shelters can be a vital help if you're out of options, but they are not a permanent fix, and I can guarantee you that there are more people trying to get into them than they can possibly hold. If you come across one of those (they're out there) I would encourage you to think a moment and offer help if you can. They always need something - even prayer - and they do appreciate every little thing. If you are actually living in a shelter right now and are reading this: never give up !
'For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.' (Hos 6:6)
~dogfish 1.21.19
We should never be so busy that we cannot give someone a helping hand.
As my dad always said "There but for the Grace of God go you or I".