Being homeless sucks. I know this first hand. Being homeless with winter approaching is even worse. I cannot even imagine being homeless with winter approaching while trying to raise children. But tonight at the shelter where my family volunteers, three families checked in. This is a huge number for a church gathering room with 30 mattresses on the floor. One of the mothers and her three children were there for the first time. This means there is a lot of paperwork to fill out along with a lot of very personal questions to answer all in a room where folks are eating, watching television and just hanging out. It could have been a nightmare for this mother who as of tonight had no where else to go.
I don't know about shelters in any place other than my own home town, but the impermanent situation we have, that travels from church basement to church basement each night, is made up of people who have formed into a family. So while the new woman sat in a corner with an intake worker, she did not have to worry about her children. One of the other mothers oversaw all of the children as they made up their mattresses and prepared for bed. Another woman, whose kids are now grown, took care of the baby, rocking her and talking to her and keeping her happy the whole time the mother filled out the paperwork.
We have all heard the adage, it takes a village to raise a child. But all too often we do not allow that village in. We are afraid of how others may harm our children. Or we are resentful when they point out an error in their behavior. Therefore we hesitate to reach out to others, not offering assistance to the parent who could use some help. Not speaking up when we believe there is a problem. Parenting is hard and we all seem to notice the judgement and eschew the help. Tonight I saw a mother in need and I saw a village come together to support her. Those children have a safe place to sleep tonight, surrounded by people who care for them. I hope it won't be too long before they find a home.
By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
John 13:35
No comments:
Post a Comment