9 Comments
User's avatar
C. Edwin Fender's avatar

As always, you share kindness, Linda. I saw in your response to Pam that you won't have to move for a year. I guess that means you won't need me to bring my trailer any time soon, then.

Expand full comment
Linda S Clare's avatar

Ed,

Sorry I didn't let you know sooner. If we needed to haul stuff to the dump, would you be interested in helping with that? Big ask, I know. Anyway, I'm thankful to have friends like you in my life. ~Linda

Expand full comment
C. Edwin Fender's avatar

I've been down in the dumps before, Linda, so just let me know. ~ Ed

Expand full comment
Pam Mulcaire's avatar

In the same vein, as hate the sin, not the sinner, people have become very judgmental about who deserves help. I no longer give money to homeless people, but I will give food all day long. Linda, I am beyond heartbroken with all you have on your plate right now. Losing your Marine was painful enough

Expand full comment
Linda S Clare's avatar

Pam,

If someone says they're hungry, food is appropriate. I don't hand money out the car window because my left side doesn't work. :-0 I think it's an individual decision. In a way, the bottle return is less judgmental: it doesn't ensure that receivers aren't going to "waste" it by buying smokes, drugs or alcohol. But every single one of us can offer the free love, mercy and compassion that God freely gives to us to everyone we meet--regardless of how they smell or what habits they may have. I used to be fearful of "enabling" but today the addiction treatment community is trying to move past that. The opposite of addiction is connection. Oh! I may not have said that HURRAH we won't need to move for at least a year. Now THAT'S good news. Much love to you, Linda

Expand full comment
Pam Mulcaire's avatar

THAT IS WONDERFUL NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I took a young man into a place I was picking up fast food-told him to order whatever he wanted-it broke my heart how the person that was taking his order treated him, oh but by the grace of God

Hebrews 13:2

King James Version

2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

you made my day with the delay of you having to move.

Expand full comment
Linda S Clare's avatar

Sorta made my YEAR. See Jesus in every face and it's harder to turn your back, isn't it? ~Linda

Expand full comment
Carolyn Hayes's avatar

Linda, I don't know where you live, but many times, people living on the streets want to live there. Yeah, they choose it because they're free from following rules in places of shelter. I think it's a mental health issue or drugs or alcohol. Too many times, homelessness is the fault of the one homeless. Not always, but mostly. Until they ask Jesus into their lives, things will not change. In my opinion, it's very unlikely they can change without the Holy Spirit.

Expand full comment
Linda S Clare's avatar

Carolyn,

I'm sure some do prefer a life without any boundaries. That's why you get ex-military men camping in the woods. My son has been on the streets with addiction/mental health issues. He says you're partly right, but even if it's 100% true, I don't think it excuses Christians from becoming Jesus' hands and feet and smile--nor did Pope Francis. Thanks for weighing in. Linda

Expand full comment