Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Just like us...

This is one of Simon's greatest friends...
her name is Diane...
she has been homeless for over 5 years...
She has Muscular Dystrophy...
She is unable to work because she has severe disabilities...
She is still hopefull...
Still happy...
Still loving...
But still has no home to call her own. We have been going to Isaiah's House for two years now.
This is not to boast about our "service" or "doing good"...
I am writing because I want to share our experience...
that has helped shaped our life for the past two years.
We just go and play games,
and bring coffee with flavored creamer...
no big whoop for you...
but these ladies???
Well, they just LOVE the coffee!

This woman's name is Becky.
She is unable to work as well.
She has physical disabilities that disable her from being in the workforce.
She has been disowned by her family.
They have rejected her...
and she has no one else to take her in.


This is CJ (on the left).
She is Diane's best friend.
She helps care for Diane...
She is a TRUE friend if I've ever heard of one.
She is faithful, devoted, caring, and loving.


This is Lorrie (on the left) with an Isaiah's House worker.
She lost her husband years ago...
She had three children...
They made it last as long as they could...
Then they could not make it anymore.
She is homeless now.
She works in "The Store" to help "pay" for her housing...
which is a hardwood floor
and a sleeping bag.
These women inspire me.
They encourage me.
They are my friends.
They are real people with real situations that got them to this place.
I realized that when you ask someone how they are doing...
it could lead you to
a "divine appointment."
I've learned that by simply asking how these women are doing...
you will walk away a changed person...
because they alter your perspective of
"what a homeless person is."
They are regular people...
That had hardships that they couldn't get out of...
and they are just like us.
They need love.
They need people.
They need people to care.
My challenge to you is this:
Next time you see someone down and out...
Start a conversation...
THEY might just need an ear to listen to them..
and YOU might be it!

2 comments:

Beverly11151955 said...

Truly a safety net for many women who are displaced, rejected and can no longer make it in society. Many have severe disabilities..how do I know..I am one...thanks for a place to belong!

Beverly11151955 said...

...for some, the "family they never had", for others, the "family they use to have"!