Greetings everyone!
I've never posted online before, but I have been reading and learning and observing "The Online Group" for some time now. Today, my emotions got the best of me because my Son and I have bronchitis and had to spend the night in the car. You see, as of yesterday we became homeless yet one more time. We are what Housing and Urban Development's McKinney Vento might consider "Chronically Homeless."
On the contrary, I know we are His chosen ones and I know personally what it's like to wait for someone wanting to help, someone who really cares, someone to just reach-out and say, "Can I help you with anything?--anything at all?"
But, my reality is "That never ever happens!" You see, while I have higher education, developed a non-profit, worked all my life since I was 13 y.o. I got ill and had to have multiple surgeries. I had to pay for healthcare co-payments out of pocket and exhausted all of my savings because I have been out of work for 6 months, (and still out without pay or leave). In fact, now that I'm healed, I no longer have a job. My medical procedures should have taken a month according to my doctor, but it became extensive.
Meanwhile, I press towards the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus! In fact, I just came back from "Lowes" obtaining pricing and developing cost projections for the shelter I want to develop before I leave the mission field. I thought about taking a three week vacation too--but because I've lived homelessness and hungry without a dime in my pocket, (even now) I'm more determined than ever to change this world! It's so upside down from my point of view!
Let me give you an example--I attempted to reach out to my neighbor by feeding him during the holidays and giving him food baskets. He is addicted to prescription drugs and God only knows what else (according to his family) and he attempted to break into my unit. Meanwhile, as I said, I have been off from work paying my medical bills, rent, car, utilities, etc out of my savings and my Doctor's Assistant was creating false charges on my invoices. But what she didn't count on is God taught me how to do multi-million dollar budgets and cost projections. She didn't think I would go behind her and do the accounting myself. Just like I thought she was trumping up false charges according to the insurance company I had while working.
Oh-and by the way! My landlord evicted me because the community was remodeled and each tenant had to relocate to another unit during the rehab project. They did not take into consideration that I had been out of work for 6 months without pay and I even gave them my last $888 on the 27th to prevent the prior month's eviction. They also did not consider that I have been here since 2014 and I have never been late on my rent until last month when all my my savings ran out. Their justification for the eviction was because I could not pay $250 to put the electric bill in my name and thereby violated my leasing agreement when they moved me to the new unit. Even while the landlord said to me, "Oh just pay it when you get it!" She denies ever saying anything of the such because it's her word against mine! Imagine the trickery the homeless experience because like me, I take people at their word unless they show me other-wise. Even though my Son was with me, he could not be my witness in a court of law because he is my Son.
Meanwhile, I was at "Lowes" getting prices and estimate in writing for my Shelter Project and the staff there kept whispering to the gentleman that was assisting me. She kept looking at my "skin color" and planted a seed that this is a waste of His time. Then another manager came to the gentleman's assistance and again the same response. He began whispering to him, "She's waisting your time!" But God!!!!!
You see, the very best semester I had in Seminary was during my homelessness where I made the Dean's List! I'm telling you this not to brag about who I am, but about who Christ is in my life! Surely, He can and He will do it! He will release this RV because I've been walking with Him, waiting on this blessing for 8 years and I know His voice! He was the One who told me that this was real 8 years ago and I have been following Him ever since! It hasn't been easy! As a matter of fact, I wish right now I had a meal, a bed and a hot bath with some medicine for this bronchitis. Like the "Widow's Might," I gave my Son the last meal and I took the last over the counter Mucinex because my head is throbbing, my throat and chests hurts, but I press!!!!!!!!!!
I'm currently sitting in Starbucks, waiting for them to close hoping they will give me the throw aways by the end of the night! I'm working on my "Memorandum of Understanding" and networking with a "Food Pantry," (who by the way I have exhausted my six visits) and yet I'm still working on this partnership because the needs of the lowly and downtrodden is significant in this state--the poorest state! I'm working with a "Case Manager" who worked for a profound, agency that he hates because of the way they treat him based on his color.
And, why do the homeless deserve ostracism because of homelessness? They don't! Why do we turn up our noses because of a body fragrance unpleasing to the natural man? I'll tell you why-- because we have not figured out how to house the homeless and bathe the homeless and feed the homeless and empower the homeless with work, careers and entrepreneurship! We have not taught them sustainability!
Well, the devil is a liar because my project is all about "US"(i.e. the homeless) and I say "US" because blessed are you who are poor for yours is the kingdom of God! Blessed are you who hunger now for you shall be satisfied! Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh! Blessed are you when men hate you and ostracize you, and insult you and scorn your name as evil, for the sake of the Son of Man. Be glad in that day and leap for joy, for behold your reward is great in heaven!!!!!
Anonymous One Living It