Homelessness…
Has The Milk Of Human Kindness Dried Up?
♥ Tammy Tangent Tuesdays ♥
Hi Beautiful! I pray you were able to tap into our amazing God of Encouragement and Endurance this past week while stamping other beloveds “approved” with joy. It’s that time again, it’s Tammy Tangent Tuesdays.
As I write this weekly challenge, my heart is heavily burdened. This is the result of another “be-careful-what-you-pray-for” as tears pour down my face hearing the testimonies of many homeless beloveds from this past weekend.
You see, I asked the Lord to give me His eyes to see what He sees and His ears to hear what only He knows. God’s answer:
“The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing!” ~ Albert Einstein
Homelessness is real and more predominant than most people care or even dare to acknowledge.
Jesus’ words in John 3:17 are fixed to my heart, “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need, but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?
Homelessness accompanies hopelessness that only Love can heal!
I’ve recently become honored to be a part of an amazing team that ministers every week to providing the homeless love through nutritious meals, rain or shine. Food is the vessel that draws the homeless beloveds in while providing nourishment for the heart, soul, body and mind.
Providing Hope For Our Homeless
We’re talking hundreds of homeless individuals receive hope, love, fellowship, HUGS and nourishment from amazing selfless beloveds that speak life and love into others and whom I’m honored to call my friends and team. This blessed nonprofit in Roseville, California, is called Blameless and Forever Free Ministries.
I have met, served and continue to be blessed by the homeless population. Yes, you read that right, the homeless continue to bless me! When I look them in their eyes, I see a reflection of who lives inside of me; Love Himself, Jesus Christ!
I can relate with many of these precious loved ones and their stories. I was a single mom working two jobs and know full well what it’s like to be a paycheck away from being homeless. Frightening! And fear paralyzes us to move forward. I understand their pain and their sense of loss and desperation. Talk about a shame-filled life without any hope.
Unconditional Love
There’s more love depicted in this photograph than sadly the supply of milk. These pets offer more love and comfort than one could illustrate. Without them, the emotional distress would be unconscionable.
There’s a reason many homeless beloveds have animals; it’s called unconditional love. It’s a source of stability and comfort that helps them facilitate hope. Plus the animals provide a source of heat. Do you know what it feels like to live in freezing conditions? It’s a silent killer.
This photograph illustrates the best of conditions in homeless suburbia. If I showed you skid row where they’re all lined up on the cold, dark cement sidewalks of Sacramento, hundreds with very few tents, huddled together for warmth and protection from the elements, it would, or should, break your heart!
A simple token of kindness can make a huge difference. We can do this by acknowledging the need of the homeless by donating time, blankets, socks, money, food, you name it.
What a blessing and honor to witness how a simple gesture of human kindness and love can heal wounds that otherwise would bleed out.
As Mother Teresa said, “If you cannot feed a hundred people, then feed just one.”
Weekly Challenge: I understand most of us can’t afford to feed a hundred people, but we can pitch in and help one homeless person. This weekly challenge is to donate time or monetary resources, preferably both ♥, to local Christian nonprofit organizations like Blameless and Forever Free Ministries. Blankets and socks are golden treasures right now.
Nonprofit organizations cater to more than just the physical needs of the homeless. They operate under the authority of the powerful words that offer healing that Jesus declared in John 6:35, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
“The best Vitamin for a Christian is to B-1!”
Together we’re beautiful and withdrawing or acting blind to others’ needs will not help solve any problem. I pray the Lord will open our eyes and hearts to the many beloveds who are homeless. After all, “the best vitamin for a Christian is to B-1.” Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased (Hebrews 13:16).
Until next time…
Tammy Ingram 