Where do you go?

On a regular basis, because of my work, i come across people whose lives have been devastated.  The source of the devastation comes from many places:  death of those they love, physical pain from bad backs or bodies that just won't cooperate, the destruction of their own choices and the consequences of those choices or the equally destructive choices of people who were supposed to help and nurture them that instead have hurt and beaten them down, pasts that scream the hurts and defeats and agonies into their minds every day, shattering their hopes for peace and joy, habits of thought and feeling put in place years ago in order to survive the war-zone of their lives that they now just can't seem to shed because they are so deeply engrained.

We talk, and many times we talk to God, and i do all i can to share some potential, some hope.  For these people are not hopeless.  They may feel that way, but they are not.  And one of the things i tell them almost every time is, "You need to find some people who you can hang around with who will just love you for you, some people who you can laugh with and be cared about with."  "What's your support system like?"

So many times, more than many of you can imagine, they look at me with these despairing eyes and say something like this, "That would be nice, but i have never had anything like that before."  So, i talk to them about opening their minds and hearts to where they might be able to find someone, or someones like that in their world and ask them to pay attention, to notice, and to see if they can find someone.  And sometimes, when the time is just right, i invite them to join me/us at More than more.  For here is a place where people can be loved, cared about, supported, just for who they are.  And they can laugh and live life and just be.  Many of them over the years have come to More than more and have found it true - this is a safe and good place.

So, if you are struggling, in pain, hurting.  If you could use some people who will care for you, for who you are.  If you need a place where you can laugh.  I would love to invite you to join us - we will be together next time in 1 week - on the 13th of June.  We will be together at McAllister Recreation Center - just off 20th and Schuyler, in Lafayette, from 645-800.  Of course, there will be excellent child care.  Would love to see you there.