A Home for the Homeless Family

A tearful granddaughter called on me one day.

“I am so sad,” she said. As her story unfolded, I realized that her heart was broken over a homeless family that she passed that day on her way home from school. It was the second time that she had passed them, and the second time that she and her mom did not have enough money to give them.

By the end of our conversation, we decided on four approaches to raising funds for her project. These would ensure she would have a little money to give the next time she saw homeless persons, especially homeless families with children. First, she would put away a portion of her allowance and give from that.

Second, she would ask family and friends to contribute to her Homeless Family Project Fund. Third, she and my other granddaughter would give their toys to the children or sell some of their toys to raise money for the families.

Finally, maybe she would ask her mom to help her create a GoFundMe project for the homeless families. Our conversation ended on a happy note, and she left feeling better, eager to start planning her projects.

We are living in difficult times.

As I write this, we are facing a global pandemic that has resulted in many families losing their homes, plunging them into despair.

The presence of sin has also contributed to a spiritual homelessness. Yet God has promised that, one day, He will put an end to all this pain.

A comforting promise came to my mind as I thought about the incident that caused so much sadness. While there are homeless people now and children who are hungry and, yes, even without toys, Jesus tells us, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?” (John 14:1, 2, NIV).

One day, all the pain and sadness will end.

Even if we do not have homes of our own now, Jesus promises us one in heaven. What a blessed hope for a positive future. I look forward to that day.

How about you?

Gloria Barnes-Gregory