Day 13: Walking in the shoes of the homeless and unemployed

12:32am

I can’t go to sleep! I am so tired and so sleepy. The lack of sleep hit me like a freight train at 3:30pm today. All I could envision was a hot shower and the bed.

I finally met with a local community leader today (technically yesterday). It occurred just as God told me on November 5. The “flurry of activity” was all the cancellations today. First we were supposed to meet around lunch time. Didn’t happen. Then we were supposed to meet a bit later. Didn’t happen. Then, later. Didn’t happen. Finally, we met at 5:30pm. And yes, all did come to a halt—his busy-ness, the completely empty café were we had tea. His birthday is the same as Sal’s which was God’s way of telling me that this is a divine connection. We talked about our backgrounds and possible employment/community opportunities for me. I don’t feel like writing anymore about it because I just want to go to sleep. I ate a granola bar to kill the growling in my stomach to hopefully make falling asleep a little easier.

3:00am

God, why can’t I close my eyes and fall asleep? When I first crawled into bed 2.5 hours ago, I thought about a judge I observed back in Houston—his soothing yet commanding voice, his lion-esque protectiveness over his staff, his encompassing spirit. Maybe that’s what I feel like I need right now but don’t have—protection, comfort. Please cradle me in your warmth and comfort, sooth my mind with your presence. I want to sleep and sleep well. Thank you.

Opportunity to Celebrate

Obviously, we should all celebrate the roof over our heads and the nourishment we receive no matter how it is viewed by economic or social standards. Yet, how can you "celebrate" blessings if you are homeless, hungry, unemployed, and cannot provide for your family? How, as a citizen or community leader, have you honored the value in all individuals regardless of their economic status or living situation? I celebrate by giving praise to God for providing for my needs and then share that praise with others as I do with this blog.

Share your story on our official Sights n Sounds Blog.