Spiritual Realities #2b – The Power to Make Do: A Nomadic Lifestyle

All About Power

Homelessness was my life now. Ostracism clung to me like a drowning friend; and paranoia tagged along wherever I went.

Disruption by civil authorities, who were constantly forcing us to move elsewhere, promised to be an unwelcome daily irritation in the humiliating life of a soul wishing to be left alone. Really? We can’t even lick our wounds in peace?!

Our difficulty is trying to find a place to stay during the day. At least I could leave my stuff at my sister’s and not look so obviously homeless, but others weren’t so lucky. They carried their belongings with them wherever they went. I was better off than they were. At least I could blend in with “normal people” at the mall; or have a cup of juice at a public table. I’d make that juice last a very l-o-n-g time because I hated to be on the move again. Americans don’t even think about how difficult it is to live a nomadic lifestyle. We’re used to settling in one place and taking for granted that we can do so without disruption.

Yet, today’s lawful intrusions make the homeless feel like criminals, even though we’re assured that being homeless isn’t a crime. Really? We would laugh at your “compassionate disruption” if it weren’t so painfully obvious that the term was connived in the comfort of a board room—over coffee—with sophisticated members like Aloof Rationale and Self Justification!

Sad, isn’t it, when another homeless person simply nods at you in passing? We recognize and empathize with each others' hopelessness. One nod is enough. Words are useless mockeries.

Finally, after many unproductive and seemingly endless hours had accumulated into eleven miserable months, my heart was ready. Ready? To forgive the person who—through use of deceptive insinuations and managerial maneuverings—had brought me to homelessness.

That’s the moment when God became my advocate, and small miracles began to occur to correct the situation in my favor!

Next week: #2c –  The Power to Make Peace: Home Again

Spirit #13 – After the Holy Spirit, the Fall Out

Workings of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit appeared as tongues of fire upon the few frightened believers hiding in an upper room. Afterward, they poured out into the streets—full of courage and joy—and preached the gospel for the first time since Jesus’ death and resurrection (Acts 2).

Thus begins the spiritual journey of three types of born-again, spirit-filled Christians:

The first type seems to have lost all ability to think reasonably. These bark up trees, crawl on all fours in the church aisle, or slap other Christians—while claiming these behaviors are from God. Please…

The second type are barren Christians eager to manifest all of the power gifts of the Spirit, yet, bring none of the Spirit’s fruit to the family of man, the family of God, or even their own families. Tsk…

The third type loves God and others from the heart—with tough love. God anoints their heart since that is where all actions originate. Thus, they manifest the anointing through 1) what they say; 2) what they do; 3) what they see; 4) what they smell; and/or 5) what they hear. Until they familiarize themselves with their consecration, they too will offend. It’s just part of our walk of ignorance. Sigh…

The bottom line is to keep love, keep faith, and keep going. Until we “get it”, maybe those who we’ve offended along the way, will forgive us and—dare we hope?—befriend us again.

After all, if even for one season, we’re all destined to walk alone.

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Scriptures are taken from the Holy Bible, King James Version, Cambridge 1769. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

# 7b – A Story of Homelessness and of Faith that Purifies the Heart (Part 2 of 3)

2) Help others do the works of faith

I felt comforted that Jesus also had no permanent place to lay his head. Finally, after many nights had stretched into 11 unsettling months, my heart was ready to forgive. Only then did the situation miraculously right itself.

I was home again. In an effort to make peace, I sought out the person whose power had brought me to experience homelessness, unrighteousness, and pain. After all, he was a “positional” Christian, and under God’s law, I owed him nothing except love (Rom. 13:8 NIV). I held out my hand and he shook it, politely inquiring if my unpacking had gone well. I nodded, unable to stop silent tears from streaming down my face. Nonetheless, I was satisfied. I accomplished pono (righteousness) between us and my heart knew God was pleased.

Five months later, the Association let our manager go. Shortly afterwards, I found myself in the laundry room, sharing my homeless story with the head of the Association. I was told to hire an attorney because I had broken no lease terms to warrant an eviction. I could sue.

I considered the advice. Who had more “right” to sue than I had? Then, once again, a bible verse gently “walked” across my mind. “Why not rather be wronged?  Why not rather be cheated?” (1 Cor. 6:7 NIV) These were tough questions. At first, I resisted. What was God after?

“Forgive” quietly echoed in my head. I sighed heavily. I had forgiven. My heart was clean. I tossed out that good-looking temptation.

(A Story of Homelessness…continues in Part 3 of 3)

Scripture from the New International Version (NIV) of the bible.