A portion of the Wikipedia definition of Mitzvah is “express an act of human kindness”. Sunday I saw an outpouring of human kindness portrayed at Temple Menorah in Redondo Beach California. Reaching out not only to the homeless population of the surrounding areas, but to your troops abroad with handmade cards and a blood drive by the American Red Cross. Basically, picnic food served outdoors by adults and children with cheerful smiles while cabaret singers entertained the visiting guests with a few songs. I thought it was a fitting touch to close with a song from the musical Annie, “Tomorrow”.
Smiles adorned the faces of people whom would not otherwise have a reason to smile. Everyone was treated like an old friend, no one was overlooked or left out of the activities. My personal CONGRATULATIONS and THANKS to all of the volunteers and contributors whom made “Mitzvah Day” a joyful success.
The supreme court of California is hearing arguments about the constitutionality of Proposition 8 the “Gay marriage ban”. Where are the rallying Christians supporting the biblical institution on marriage? Have we become so passive-aggressive that we are going to sit and watch? Remember, we are called as a people to be as a light to the world. Meaning, we are to live a life as an example to the world, spreading his name to all the people. God has has given us marriage by example and definition. One man and one woman. The moral majority has spoken, lets not be silenced by the immoral minority.
We receive Gods blessings everyday. Even in our darkest hours, HE is with us and ready to help us as soon as we ask. I can’t imagine for even a moment, God having a look of surprise on his face and responding, “WOW you what? I didn’t see that coming”. When my children were small, I remember the times when one would keep trying, I would offer to help, but the head-strong child would turn away determined to do it their self. Only when they were completely exasperated, did they hand it over for help. Even as adults, we tend to believe that we can do it by ourselves and don’t require any assistance. Only when we “Let Go and Let GOD” take care of the issue, do we find resolution/closure. By chronologizing the blessings in my life, perhaps others might see GOD working in their own lives.
I have never seen a happier person, than one with a four-legged friend. I am often entertained by funny and heartwarming stories of our extended family members. Dogs; with human like interactions, cats; poised a moment to surprise a play mate or birds; teasing cats for that one chance to show them who is “top bird”, are all stories told with a gleam in the persons eye. Fluffy rolling off the window still on a warm day or the day Rover brought home this little kitten usually follows tragedies like Fluffy’s battle with the not-so-nice neighbor or Rovers last fight with a badger.
Many years ago, I met a man outside of a major convenience store chain. I have long since forgotten the cat’s name, but his name was John. He had a gray tabby cat on a twine tether who would ride across his shoulders. Both were happy as a lark. I lost track of them for many years and found them about three miles away hustling change on a freeway off ramp. He and the cat were doing fine. A few years later, he would lose the house but he had his friend. To all things come a season; one day as I exited the freeway; I saw John holding his friend tightly inside his jacket stroking his beloveds head. Sorrow and devastation are the only way I can describe his emotions. The next day, I should not have been surprised, John was weaving side to side, hands in his pockets, devastated. His feline friend had probably been about thirteen to fifteen years old. A good old age for a feline. Over the next few months, I would see him with a puppy, kitten and cat, but none of them would fill the void left behind by his dear friend.
There are many times when a child is having emotional issues growing up, the pediatrician will suggest getting a pet, such as a cat. There is an emotional bond with develops and grows through the years. The presence of a small pet has the added benefit of boosting the immune system. No matter what we may try to tell ourselves, everyone needs to be loved by someone. How much happier might the homeless nation be if each camp had a four legged friend. I admit there might be some categorical issues with feeding and care, not to mention if the animal ran off, but the unconditional love would improve countless lives. If you see a homeless person with a four-legged friend, buy that companion a little food, you will bring them both unmeasured happiness.
With the announcement of the introduction of a Gay marriage bill for California in the mid-term elections of 2010 or perhaps the Presidential election of 2012, I feel it is necessary to ask the question, “What does the bible say about it?” As Christians, we are called to be as a light to the world (Mat 5:14) and not to be conformed to it (Rom 12:1-2). If we believe the bible to be the unfaultable word of the God of Abraham and of his sons Isaac and Ishmael and Heavenly Father of Jesus Christ of Nazarene, understanding the tested 66 books of the currently accepted bible, accept it in its whole omitting nothing. We were not given the word to pick or choose what we want to believe, but rather, to read and learn what God requires of us. Jesus came to fulfill the Law, not to condemn it. Though he was our sacrificial lamb long before we were born, he did not change the Law. During the upcoming weeks, we will look into what God had to say through the Law. God Bless.
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THE PEOPLE WHOM COME.
I confess, I’m not in the poorest part of town. Here, even the homeless drink specialty coffee from these over priced shops. But these tough times are hitting below everyone’s belt. I see well seniored people as well young couples with Two or Three young children.
When I see the younger population sitting down to eat, I am both elated with the fact that they can take an advantage of the ocation to eat a hot meal and concerned at what has brought them it dine most often with complete strangers. in the case of teenagers (some of whom I knew before), there is a recurring theme, they won’t submit to the authority of their perennial figures (exodus 29:12). For them, I can only pray for the Lord to protect them even though he doesn’t cross their minds.
I’m concerned for the young couples whom come to eat with their children. It fills me with joy, but I can feel their apprehension. Eating with a group of strangers, exposing their children to this strange environment. Perhaps separate arrangements might be made.
Twisted within this subculture is drug use among many. Buying, selling, using. Its hard not to turn a deaf ear or blind eye. Myself; having never done drugs without a prescription or exceeded the limits for over the counter medication; cast a less than favorable eye on those whom abuse these things. I understand the need to escape the moment, but I don’t understand the need to feel like crap when its all done. A life filled with the normal ups and down is occupying enough without adding chemically induced peeks and valleys. The government tries to monitor some of its beneficiary recipients, but this has its flaws. Up front, I have no answers nor suggestions, but this is an issue in itself and must be addressed by each individual on a per case basis.
In short; the homeless population is given to the same strengths and weaknesses as all other demo graphs. As the family of God, we can provide food and services it improve the quality of life, but until the person is ready to actively change for the better, they will remain in the same perpetuating rut. Let us all pray for those less fortunate than ourselves.
SPOTLIGHT
Its difficult to single out and one person among such a large and diverse group of people, so I want to take this moment to recognize all the people out there whom want to make a difference in their life and the lives of others around them.
A recent event has caused me to say, “Now ain’t that fine kettle of fish”. A small church in the South Bay area of Los Angles County was moved to help the people in their community. Use full services like dental screening or information on anger management classes to a DJ for the entertainment. They passed out bags of food and had a BBQ. What concerns me is that one person of a group of the populous which is often over looked or forgotten (homeless); can find room for prejudice. One thing I have learned is there is little room for racial or gender discrimination. Though one or both can be argued with biblical support (we find most references in the Old Testament bible times), The New Testament puts things on a more equal footing with God accepting the Gentiles and being evenly yoked. I thought prejudice died with my Grandmother (a woman with family ties to “The South” and a long standing belief in national purity). Are we as a people still racially divided? As a member of Gods family, I’d hope not.
Greetings and Thanks from Mr. Henry Q. Snowball Esq.
It is with great joy, I am here to take a brief moment to thank you for your love and generosity. When I was found, I was a starving Ferrell cat just days away from passing on to the great field above. But you had compassion for me and with the actions of a few kind people, I’m on the road to recovery. I didn’t care much for the doctors visit; but I feel better; I can even eat dry food now. I enjoyed the bachelor pad, no one to fight with for food and water. I miss the litter box, sure better than “roughing it”. Even the medicine wasn’t too bad. Unfortunately check out time came much too soon. Would you believe me if I said I am still sick (cough, cough, wink), didn’t think you would. All good things must come to an end; “Arrivederci mio amico, Goodbye my friend”. Oh, who am I kidding, I live under the house. I know when I have it good. I have plenty of wet/dry food, water, I even get pulled chicken and the wayward mouse. I’m camera shy, but I will send a picture as soon as I can. I thank you from the top of my ears to the tip of my tail for all the love you have given to me and all my extended family.
With Love,
Henry Q. Snowball Esq.
