Great insight and advice from a dear and talented man, Wendell Parham, who at the time of writing this was homeless. I am delighted to report I recently learned he has currently found a place to stay, though it hinges on whether or not he can find sustainable work. I was fortunate enough to meet him months ago, and Matt had the great privilege of speaking with him at length more recently. The following was sent in an email to me:
"The Lord has place me in this arena, and like any child not wanting to take out the garbage, sometimes I whine. The inconveniences of this life are what annoys me. Being ostracized by people who will not even try to discover your value, being blocked from certain comforts, like washing and using the bathroom, things like that. What really makes homelessness difficult is mostly the desire to be part of community. That part of us (and all creatures) that wants to be part of others like us to insure our safety and comfort. I think this instinct is at the heart of people feeling like I should feel devastated and wish to pray for difference. The people who have sat and talked with me about my homelessness, for some reason, begin to see me as something larger. Not for me or what I say, but realizing their own fear of how they would feel in my situation and then not being able to discover those same fears in me. This really has nothing to do with macho strength. Its faith. Know that I have concerns right now that you may be seeing the homeless as a collective and not as individuals. Seek to discover the people, as well as your own fears and feelings. This knowledge can then be applied to constructive initiatives that can get real results."
Wow. Great advice. I can't get that one statement out of my mind, What really makes homelessness difficult is mostly the desire to be part of community. Please consider helping us help Wendell out by referring his graphic design and writing talents to anyone you know who may be looking for such help. You can find his information here: http://charlotte.craigslist.org/biz/1381241787.html
