NO ROOM

    



  We often read stories such as "Scrooge" and think this does not apply to today--but let me give you a true story that is happening as this very moment.  One of the ladies from The Well is in the middle of chemo and radiation treatment for cancer.  She received a notice from her landlord that the property she rents has been sold and  all tenants must be out in 20 days  (that is TWENTY DAYS- right here at Christmas.)  He did not bother to knock on doors and explain the situation---he put a letter on each tenants door.  BAH HUMBUG! at its best!  NOW to complicate the issue, this lady has no transportation and must live close to stores, etc so she can walk to do her shopping.  She also has to make a round trip of about 70 miles - one way - daily for treatment.  There is NOT much time to be out walking around trying to find a place to live.  The real kicker is funds are very limited.  She is only one of many families from the property in the same boat with very limited options.

We all seem to think everyone is provided with a place to live by the government.  This is NOT the case.  Not all who are homeless choose to live on the streets.  Many do not qualify for help, fall through the cracks, and have limited choices within their budget.  Poverty is not a pretty story.  Add to that poor credit, past bad choices, and generational acceptance of the little which is available and you have desperate situations.  These people become the invisible.  We see them, but look past them and do not acknowledge them.  They blend in to the community and we opt out of having any concern with the excuse that someone (The Government)  is taking care of them.  This simply is NOT always the case.  

As I have wrestled with this problem of helping find my friend a place to stay, I thought back to a story we have all heard.  A traveling couple who were expecting a child--any moment-- knocking on doors seeking help---a place to sleep.  Everyone looked past them--so concerned with their own comfort---they could not see the dire circumstances of the couple.  They were invisible--looked past--ignored by the more fortunate.  We are thankful this is not our circumstance, but we also count on someone else to supply the compassion to help.  We decide this is not our problem and look the other way.  

How thankful I am for the innkeeper who had pity on the desperate couple.  Who showed compassion by offering what little space he had remaining.  He was used by God to fulfill the long ago prophecy of the Messiah being born in a stable.  What a wonderful story---what a wonderful act of charity---but the story would had been different if the innkeeper had turned his back or looked past the desperate situation.  I am so thankful for all of you who see those in your path and choose to not count them as invisible and ignore the problem.  Yes, the poor will be with us always-- how we treat the "least of these" is a direct reflection of our thankfulness for all that has been lavished upon us.  May we all "see" those God places in our path and reflect our love for God our Provider by being His hands and feet to help those He loves dearly.

"She gave birth to her firstborn, a son.

 She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger,

 because there was no room for them in the inn." 

Luke 2:7

4 comments

  1. Such a heart-wrenching story, Lulu, for this poor woman and all those living in that building with her. Couldn't the landlord have given them more notice??? Especially at this time of the year. I'll keep them in prayer.
    Blessings!

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  2. Yes, it flies in the face of kindness. Thank you for your prayers.
    Blessings, My Friend!

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  3. Check out Louisiana Tenant Rights. I believe 20 days is on the short side. May be wrong.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you! Getting very close to having another place while in the midst of daily treatments. God is our provider.
      Blessings!

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Your comments keep my writing and often cause me to think. A written form of a hug or a pat on the back and an occasional slap into reality---I treasure them all!