You. Yes, You. Listen.

You. Yes, you. You're going to be okay.

When I was younger, I recall someone saying that it helps to think of life as a needlepoint. From where we stand, looking up at the underside of the canvas, it seems like chaos: tangled, knotted threads, nonsensical, messy.

But from God's point of view, the design is being stitched to perfection. We just need to remember to let God fill in the holes. He's got this. We're not there to figure it out - just to help it along, even when we don't have answers.

I know, I know. It's not that easy. I haven't walked your path. I can't possibly know your pain.

Which of course is true. But I have felt that sense of helplessness, frustration, anger, and uncertainty. I've been overwhelmed to the point where I wanted to just run away and start over. I've had times when the pain was so great, I couldn't even summon the energy or the resolve to take on the day at all. It didn't seem worth the effort. It was easier to let the darkness win, crawl back into bed, and let life pass me by.

Today, I am grateful that this is not one of those days. I did get out of bed, and as I went about my morning routine, I was greeted by the most beautiful sunrise. And that was when it occurred to me that you - yes YOU - need to know this.

Right now, stop. And listen. Listen to your heart. Listen WITH your heart.

All we need to do is come from a place of love, for our neighbor, God, and ourselves. We are so apt to forget that last part. But friend, be gentle with yourself. We need to shine our love, with every bit of who we are, from wherever we are, with whatever we have. But just as importantly, we need to let ourselves BE loved. Be held. Be listened to. It's that simple. The rest, all the details, will surely follow.

I'm glad you're reading this. Because while I have your attention, you can take a step back, and remember who you are. You are getting strangled by those threads, exhausted from trying to untangle the knots. But you need to stop. Just for a moment. Remember that you are precious. You are needed. And you are loved, more than you could ever imagine.

If it was entirely up to me, I would reach through the screen, put my hands on your shoulders, and tell you all this face-to-face, and then hug you for as long as it takes to put your broken pieces back together. I don't have much more to give you than these words, but I hope they reach you and achieve the same effect.

Breathe, friend, I'm here for you. And we're all in this together.

You. Yes, you. You're going to be okay.

"Finally Home" - submitted by Theresa Ferrara

Tiny house vendors in Chester, Vermont.
(Photo by Denis Paul)

One cold dark night, in my travels
I thought I'd make a stop
I saw the cutest little village
Tiny homes with all blue tops

I came upon a sweet old man
Standing outside a little store
It all seemed so remarkable
He explained just what I saw

"This place is my salvation
This place is my new home.
I was cold, and I was hungry
And for so long, all alone.

But then, my prayers were answered
By some folks with real big hearts
I got a bed, and I was fed
Love gave me a brand new start.

I'm safe and warm and dry here
And the people oh so kind
I'm working hard and learning
Back to normal just in time.

You see, I had a good life,
But poor health and a few bad breaks
Left me broken and forgotten.
But one voice is all it takes.

It took one spark to light the flame
And just one great big dream
Hands joined as one to build a bridge
Across this troubled stream

No longer are we sad and lost
No longer do we roam
God bless these kind and generous folks
The homeless have a home."

What About the Humans?

Thank you, Christi Peace and the Asbury Park Press, for addressing the issue of youth homelessness in your July 31 article, “How Many Homeless in Ocean, Monmouth” But as an advocate for the homeless, allow me to remind readers that the statistics and issues cited in the article barely scratch the surface of homelessness in New Jersey.

The article mentions that Ocean ranks among the top counties for homelessness in our state. Thus, it is beyond shameful that the closest homeless shelters – as in, shelters serving the two-thirds of homeless folks not mentioned in the article – are in Atlantic City and Asbury Park. And it is worth noting that due to the recent influx of homeless coming in from Ocean, the Atlantic City Rescue Mission will no longer accept people from outside of Atlantic County. Moreover, Ocean County boasts four animal shelters, while homeless humans are largely ignored by the powers that be. Certainly the sad-eyed puppies and kittens in all those TV ads elicit our sympathy, but are human beings not worthy of at least the same level of care and compassion?

And for those who are slipping through the cracks, failing to qualify for government assistance and other emergency housing programs, the situation is growing increasingly urgent. The 2015 Point-in-Time survey states that the number of chronically homeless individuals in New Jersey has risen by over 70% in the past five years to nearly 1500 people. Peace’s article emphasizes another important point: that without an address, it is impossible for people to find employment. And so the cycle of extreme poverty continues, and the odds of the homeless rejoining society as functioning, productive members are lowered even more.

We are left to wonder how much worse the problem needs to get before those in power take notice, and take action.

As an alternative to traditional shelters, which address neither the underlying cause of homelessness nor the emotional needs and dignity of the individual, I am working with other advocates on a more comprehensive solution: an intentional community known as “Destiny’s Bridge.” Our mission underscores the belief that “each person is deserving of dignity and validation regardless of their circumstances.” Our plan is to provide not only shelter, but also medical care, opportunities for rehabilitation, holistic healing, and most of all, community and emotional support. More information is available on the Destiny’s Bridge website, www.destinysbridge.org.

I strongly believe we can do better, and need to do better, to ensure that shelter is recognized as a basic human right for all people.

Thank you.