As the summer days begin to fade into Autumn and the days seem to be getting shorter, a little cooler, and we start to cozy up in our homes awaiting a season of giving and celebrating, I have been struck by the need and hopelessness that I see every Wednesday at the food bank. They have no hope for the future or even tomorrow for that matter, these families are barely surviving today. Pumpkins, Thanksgiving, Christmas...not even a thought. More like getting milk for their child, keeping the electric on, keeping their car so they can get to work, or in some cases just trying to keep a roof over their heads is more the thoughts that consume their daily activities.
I have heard and seen stories from these families that are riddled with frustration, confusion, abuse, and in all of the cases a loss and hopelessness that can only be measured to heart breaking. This loss, whether felt through the ability to support their children, a loss of a job, a loss of a marriage,a loss of home, and yes the loss of a child to suicide, can only be understood by one who has suffered this pain. At times I am at a loss for words, and then I realize that words are not what they need but an ear...someone to listen and hopefully point them in the right direction.
At times it seems overwhelming to try and meet all of these needs, and I find myself asking God for direction and help and that is when he reminds me that they also need to go to him for direction and help. We are all partners in being the light in their very dark world. We are the shoulder to lean on, the arms to hold them as they cry, the hands to feed and clothe them, and the spirits to lead them to Christ and a better life. I thank all of the partners and volunteers who ARE making a difference even when it feels like we are not.
Someone once told me that aiding the homeless and needy was like walking on a pathway straight into God’s heart....but what they didn’t say or know is that these families have found their own pathway into mine.
