A prominent stereotype today is homeless people.
In several recent conversations I’ve had with folks about homeless people, the common attitude was, “If they had any ambition, they wouldn’t be homeless. They’re simply irresponsible.”
In other words, it’s their own fault. But is it?
The Canadian organization, New Leaf Project, recently did a research project on homelessness. They gave 115 homeless people $7,500 each. One year later, most of the 115 people had $1,000 in savings, and were able to feed themselves and their families.
Does that sound like the stereotype we just described? Does that sound like irresponsibility? These folks simply needed a helping hand.
Spirit
You’ve all needed a helping hand at one time or another. Remember your reason for coming to this lifetime—to help your planet move through these dark times into the light beyond.
There are many people—your sisters and brothers the world over—who need your help. That help can take many forms. It does not always have to be money. Though it certainly can be, especially if you are blessed in that way.
But it can also take other forms: your time, your prayers, and, mostly, your love.
You’ve heard it said love is the answer to every problem. You cannot name a problem—whether in your personal lives, in your families, in other of your groups, in the world as a whole—love cannot solve and heal.
The greatest gift is always love.
Copyright © 2020 by John Cali and Berna Copray
Edited by Berna Copray
*************************************
This is a powerfully touching video of a homeless man. If you’re like us, it will make you think twice about judging others based only on their appearance.
Last February, Berna and I spent some time among the homeless of New York City. It was a powerfully moving experience both of us will forever remember.
James Twyman, aka The Peace Troubadour, and his friend, Bill Free, organized the event. Jimmy and Bill also created a full-length film based on their travels to New York City. The film is free, but they’re asking everyone who watches it to donate to the homelessness fund they’ve created. Here’s the full movie:
Have you ever seen homeless people up close?
Please share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
*********
George Ball
Thank you John for today’s new message. I wish you and Berna a merry Christmas. Love, George
John Cali
Thank you, George. You have a Merry Christmas too!
Love, John
David Bolin
Yes, John, I have been homeless twice. First for 6 months, second time was 12 full months. I suspect the effects of Covid-19 are causing folks to adjust their attitudes about homelessness. There are different levels of homelessness.
The level my kitty and I experienced was living in a borrowed 30 year old truck. I got paid monthly from Social Security ‘retirement’ benefits. So, I had some money, a place to sleep out of the rain and I could drive to get food and use restrooms for ‘relief’ and clean up my act…
Probably the most common image involves tents, tarps, shopping carts, overpasses and where ever else society deems inconvenient.
I think the saddest level is represented by a middle-aged woman I saw on the curb of a Safeway parking lot during a serious rain storm. She sat next to a wire basket-cart full of clothes and she and the clothes were completely drenched. She was motionless and just staring ahead. 100 feet behind her was the Safeway overhang which was dry.
My kitty and I did not have any space to spare so we couldn’t help. So much energy of compassion was trying to flow through me but could not go any where, I felt as though I was going to explode.
My attitude toward everyone has changed……
John Cali
Thanks again, David, for your insightful comments. There’s never been anything like the sight of a homeless, helpless human to inspire compassion. Berna and I certainly felt that on our trip to New York City. And I’m sure many others in our group did too.
George Ball
Yes and I am glad to have often been surprised at how well they have adapted to their situation although it’s always more or less sad.
John Cali
Thank you, George.