In my last blog, we left off at me feeling like one of the most hopeless people in the world. I had just gotten pretty much an eviction letter from a homeless shelter; I mean does it get any worse than this? Here I am with a now 17- and 6-year-old in a new place, heaps and heaps of snow, temps in the negative and I have less than 24 hours to pack up what we brought with us and what we had accumulated in 30 days and figure out my next move in a town where I know NO ONE! The shelter manager was "kind" enough to give me a few recommendations to other shelters in the area and surrounding towns. After I got over the initial shock and despair, I pulled myself together and started reaching out to some of those other shelters. I knew I didn't have the money to buy train tickets to come back to MS and I knew I didn't want us on the street the next day, but what I didn't know was how things were going to work out. Eventually I came to my senses and also started praying, my prayers were short and weak, because truthfully my faith was really being tested and it was hard to believe basked off of what I was dealing with at the moment. but I prayed asking God to please make a way, show me a way, or do something on our behalf. I refused to believe that He would leave us out there in the cold "literally" .
I started reaching out to some of the shelters, and the first few I called I had no luck, some were full, and some denied me because I was upfront about being on the registry and they said for that reason alone they could not take me, even though I was a single mom with small children under 18. I'm thinking to myself this is crazy! I'm mad, I'm hurt, I'm discouraged, and saying to myself I can't believe this is happening again. A decision I made in the heated moment was still basically causing me my life! Even though I felt like it was the end, I knew because of my kids this was no time to throw in the towel, so I remember reaching out to one more shelter, emailing them all my information and telling them about the situation I was currently in and also about being on the registrar, because the last think I wanted to do was get some place and be asked to leave again, once we were situated. After waiting a not so long time, but felt like forever, the leader/pastor of this shelter contacted me back wanting to know more about why I was on the registry, She did say it may be a few days before they had a room open since we would be coming in as a family but we were defiantly welcome. That was such a huge relief, I thought to myself I can come up with money for a hotel for a few days and then we could get there. After a few more emails back and forth we set up a time and date and said our goodbyes.
Now I have to have a talk with the kids about leaving and get to packing and cleaning. I was able to be pretty honest with the oldest , we had by this time developed a relationship that we were able to talk about certain things and he was mature enough to handle it, as far as the little one, I simply told her we were just moving to a different place that would eventually help us find our forever home while we were here, which was not a lie, she didn't need to know the why behind the move, she's a child. The last night there was a long night, not only because we had to rush and pack, but also because I was still trying to feel better from the virus or bug, we had all just shared. I spent that night resting on and off, packing on and off and pondering what was to come. It was starting to look like our great relocation was turning out not so great, or maybe this was just a bump in the road. Only time would tell!
I want to make this blog an interactive one, drop in the comments how you feel about the shelters not taking women and children because of being on the registry without even looking into each situation differently? Do you think this decision should be made on a case-by-case basis or this rule should stay in full effect like it is for the protection of others? Can't wait to hear your responds!
2. What's your go to scripture or song when you are in a dark place and your faith is weak and you feel like you are at the end of your ropes? What scripture or song helps get you back on track?
I too agree that it should be on a case by case basis. Sis Helen, I do believe that Romans 8:28 is in full effect in your life and that everything that you are encountering is definitely working together for the good because you love the Lord and you are called according to His purpose and plan. One of my fb friends named Charles Belk was wrongfully arrested several years ago. As a result Belk has inspired criminal justice reform laws in 9 states. https://magazine.viterbi.usc.edu/fall-2015/alumni/what-happens-when-an-engineer-is-falsely-arrested/ Perhaps the Lord may use you instrumentally in some way to help others who have encountered what you have encountered.
I agree it should be looked at on a case-by-case basis. Thats just like judging someone before knowing them or judging them off of their past. Even with children being involved I feel like some kind of accommodations could've been made. The rules get broken for any and everything else.
One song off the top of my head that helps me is Mary Mary- Can't give up now.
Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34; 2 Corinthians 12:9
I think that anytime any kind of conviction is following a person , it needs to be looked at on a case by case basis. Simply turning a blind eye is unacceptable to me. I was on felony probation for 5 years nobody would even breathe in my direction. It’s exhausting to be judged without even asking questions.
My go to song is “good morning god” and “fear is not my future” they both get my mind right when I’m feeling low!