George Orwell once observed, “It is curious how people take it for granted that they have the right to preach to you and pray over you as soon as your income falls below a certain level” (Down and Out in Paris and London).
The women in All Our Sisters are remarkably resourceful. They have found their own ways to live in a constantly changing world. Without an address, they cannot get a social insurance number or a job. Without a home they risk loosing their children. Our social security system has forced many to hide or to stretch the truth to maintain the few things they have. Each of the women has learned to cope in some way with what life has brought them. Most are grateful for the charity that they have found.
Some shelters are run by faith based groups doing outreach work in their communities. These groups do not pride themselves in being there to save the world, but rather in being a safe place. Many shelters offer not only a roof and a meal, but a listening ear and a caring heart. It is through the work of these shelter workers that many lives have been changed. In story after story, many women recount how they have found salvation. Many recall the moment they found God in their lives. Some have turned their lives into living examples of God’s work in this world. They themselves are now working in the missions where they sought refuge.
In these instances women were not preached over or prayed over, but rather listened to and cared for.
While we may often wonder why some lives are so difficult, perhaps these should be seen as our challenge put forward by God. How can we offer support that is more than prayers and preaching? Next time you see someone without shelter, think of what you can do to be God’s living example, to reach out and lend a hand.
The women in All Our Sisters are remarkably resourceful. They have found their own ways to live in a constantly changing world. Without an address, they cannot get a social insurance number or a job. Without a home they risk loosing their children. Our social security system has forced many to hide or to stretch the truth to maintain the few things they have. Each of the women has learned to cope in some way with what life has brought them. Most are grateful for the charity that they have found.
Some shelters are run by faith based groups doing outreach work in their communities. These groups do not pride themselves in being there to save the world, but rather in being a safe place. Many shelters offer not only a roof and a meal, but a listening ear and a caring heart. It is through the work of these shelter workers that many lives have been changed. In story after story, many women recount how they have found salvation. Many recall the moment they found God in their lives. Some have turned their lives into living examples of God’s work in this world. They themselves are now working in the missions where they sought refuge.
In these instances women were not preached over or prayed over, but rather listened to and cared for.
While we may often wonder why some lives are so difficult, perhaps these should be seen as our challenge put forward by God. How can we offer support that is more than prayers and preaching? Next time you see someone without shelter, think of what you can do to be God’s living example, to reach out and lend a hand.
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