I do not know the source of this photo for sure. I think it is: REUTERS/David Ryder
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🌸 Sincerely asking:
Lord, show me how to assist.
Time to roll up sleeves.
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In America those suffering insufficient food and shelter is increasing. In America drug addiction (prescription and street) is on the increase dramatically. In America addiction to the senses and sense pleasures is on the increase. It is past time for us to face these concerns head on and take responsibility. This is our family.
There are many places across the globe where these same issues have been present for much longer. This is also our family.
Even locally I see a sad diminishing of love, concern and interaction. The people in Santa Barbara used to talk with one another on the streets - say hello - chat a bit - - now - - it is rare to have eye contact - - it would be wonderful to return to FAMILY FRIENDLY. . Back in the day - we knew the homeless – and they were part of the SB family - we would buy them a cup of coffee - - we would buy them a meal. The local homeless were not generally aggressive and many tried to work a bit. I remember the man with the guitar always out there singing … the woman sitting on her blanket playing her keyboards … the man in wild clothes riding his bike laden with streamers of bright colors. There are more homeless now in Santa Barbara and across America. There is more suffering in the world. I am not sure what the answer is - however - addiction and concurrent hopelessness is rampant (in all strata of society). Let's find a way to be family again.
It is not someone else’s problem. This is a human dilemma. It behooves us to conduct ourselves as humans and seek solutions.
Consider the adage: ‘Put your own oxygen mask on before assisting the other’ - - this, so you have the level of consciousness needed to discern what real assistance is in each situation. I think perhaps our oxygen in this situation is prayer and meditation.
There are many places across the globe where these same issues have been present for much longer. This is also our family.
Even locally I see a sad diminishing of love, concern and interaction. The people in Santa Barbara used to talk with one another on the streets - say hello - chat a bit - - now - - it is rare to have eye contact - - it would be wonderful to return to FAMILY FRIENDLY. . Back in the day - we knew the homeless – and they were part of the SB family - we would buy them a cup of coffee - - we would buy them a meal. The local homeless were not generally aggressive and many tried to work a bit. I remember the man with the guitar always out there singing … the woman sitting on her blanket playing her keyboards … the man in wild clothes riding his bike laden with streamers of bright colors. There are more homeless now in Santa Barbara and across America. There is more suffering in the world. I am not sure what the answer is - however - addiction and concurrent hopelessness is rampant (in all strata of society). Let's find a way to be family again.
It is not someone else’s problem. This is a human dilemma. It behooves us to conduct ourselves as humans and seek solutions.
Consider the adage: ‘Put your own oxygen mask on before assisting the other’ - - this, so you have the level of consciousness needed to discern what real assistance is in each situation. I think perhaps our oxygen in this situation is prayer and meditation.
Pray
Meditate
Serve
I do not have the answers - - you may not have the answers - - but - - let's begin by asking the right questions, such as: HOW CAN I HELP? Together we do have answers.
💚 🌸 Mark 14:7 For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will, ye may do them good . . . . .
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