If you’re feeling down about life, a visit to a homeless shelter might be just what you need.
Last night, a small group from my church went to the Sparrow’s Nest, a homeless shelter for women that is operated by Cherry Street Mission Ministries. I brought my guitar and stumbled through a few songs, then my colleagues led a few short devotionals. We passed out candy, cookies, hot chocolate, and goody bags for all.
The best part was hanging out afterward, talking to the women.
To be honest, I’d been struggling with a bit of an attitude problem lately, maybe even feeling a little sorry for myself, mostly having to do with work-related issues. That’s not my usual state of mind, but I think everybody goes through some valleys at some point.
Then I spent some time talking to the women at the Sparrow’s Nest. Every one of them has a story. The Sparrow’s Nest houses 60 women, although some of them were not there during our visit. These women are dealing with serious life issues. They are striving to get back in control of their lives and their circumstances.
One young woman, just 28 years old, is a recovering heroin addict. In October, while stoned out of her mind, she got in her car and started driving, passed out, veered off the road, and struck a tree.
She wasn’t wearing a seatbelt. Doctors put titanium plates in her skull. She has a scar on her forehead. But she feels blessed because (1) nobody else was hurt in the crash and (2) she has a new chance in life.
She’s been sober for 130-something days now. She told me she accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. She thinks she could be good at counseling people through AA or other support groups, encouraging them to stay sober. This girl has a sweet personality and I pray she will continue to stay straight and be a blessing to others.
Another woman I spoke to had been a teacher and then a factory worker who lost her job. She is a bright middle-aged woman who is down on her luck. She’s been at the mission since September.
She offered some interesting observations about the economy and the political climate in America, and doesn’t see any quick turnaround for the economy. As a consequence, she doesn’t expect to find a job and get back on her feet for a while. I was impressed with her insights, observations, and attitude and hope she finds a job.
There was an old woman with obvious mental problems, shouting expletives, then mumbling to herself, head down, as she sorted through a plastic bag filled with cigarette butts, The other women all looked at her warily, and I felt bad that these ladies had to put up with a roommate as disruptive as her. The staff was vigilant in keeping the crazy lady under control, but her presence just generated trouble.
There were so many other stories, and my heart breaks for each one of them. I hope these women get their lives back on track soon.
But their circumstances reminded me to me count my blessings. My complaints are so trivial compared to what these people are going through.
Things are not so bad after all.
