2021 September
By a Joy Junction Staff Member (JBF)
Change comes in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes, it’s a good thing, and sometimes, it’s filled with anxiety, uneasiness, confusion, or any number of other things.
But, as long as we are breathing, we can know for sure that change does and will come. Some change is expected, like when a new baby arrives and is introduced to the family. Other change is not so expected, like the effects of a sudden tornado storm.
The unanticipated situations and changes that popped up during the Coronavirus brought different emotions to the table, that’s for sure. It didn’t matter the age of the person, the concern was felt by everyone.
As fall arrives and brings the beginning of the school year to our attention, it’s possible that we could see a change in the social and emotional well-being of the students. Because of the lack of development in those areas, during the months of the virus, uncertainty may rear its awful head as we all try to get back to “normal” life.
With the unexpected pandemic interrupting that “expected” part of the day (school) last year, most students, parents, and even teachers, were very unsure of what the next hour would bring. Fear and uncertainty seemed to fill their minds and hearts, instead of stability and support.
But, as with any unexpected situation, stability and support are exactly what is needed…for each of us.
It’s the same way with the homeless in our city. Life seems even more uncertain these days, in their mind. They weren’t expecting to lose their job… They weren’t expecting to lose their home… They weren’t expecting to be homeless…
It was hard enough to make ends meet before the pandemic, but now, it feels near impossible to move forward – especially if there is no address to call home.
Our shelter is a home away from home for many. We try very hard to provide stability and support for each person who walks through our doors. They can be assured they will receive a bed to rest their head each night. They can be confident that there will be three meals a day for each of them.
Ministering to their needs is our main goal. We want to be able to help them overcome the obstacles that caused them to be homeless in the first place, and then guide them toward beginning a new future.
That new future begins with understanding their past and how they became homeless. Our Bible-based life recovery program helps our guests learn how to cope with their circumstances without resorting to addictive substances or bad behavior. It’s a wonderful step for them as they work to better their lives.
Having a strong emotional foundation encourages the social aspect of moving forward because it gives a different, more positive, way of handling stress or unexpected events.
Change is inevitable in this life. But, with God’s help, we can move forward, one step at a time, until we can gain ground on our hopes and desires…providing the social and emotional well-being that is so important.
It really is possible to start fresh and begin a new life.
