I'm not Mother Theresa.
It's super easy to get my stuff to the homeless because all I have to do
is take it to work. The ease of it just
makes me feel guilty and lazy. I doubt
I'd think about homeless people if Deacon Joe didn't make his rounds to
them. He recently told me that the
battered women's shelter in Cleveland turns away 60 women a day. "A DAY!" I can't get this out of my mind.
I've tried a number of times to write something motivational
about this subject. Let's do
something! Let's make politicians
accountable! The problem with what I
keep writing is that I keep sinking into dark thoughts of women and children
I've known that didn't make it through the violence intact, and in some cases
alive. It's hard to be optimistic under
the burden of these memories.
I saw a boy on tv who has a remarkable memory. He can tell you all about every day of his
life. He admitted that there's a down
side to that kind of memory. He
remembers all the good he's experienced, but also all the bad. My memory isn't as detailed to the day like
his, but I can relate to the ups and downs of remembering. Sometimes it takes a lot of force of will to
push myself to think of something else.
Then I'm torn.
Should I talk about sitting on a porch in the Pennsylvania mountains,
sheltered from a torrential rain storm while I stayed warm and dry, laughing
with friends? I can pull up other happy
memories that would let us all go about our day with pleasant thoughts. Or, should I be single-minded like Deacon
Joe? He never passes an opportunity to
make others think about homeless people.
I can't help 60 battered women a day, but together we can
make a difference. What would it take
for you to help them?
Google "battered women's shelter" or
"domestic violence center" and you'll find places that need your
help. Give them stuff, money, or time. Here are some links for places near
Cleveland...
Good for you, Linda! Everyone can make a bit of change for the better. In the end, it makes a difference. Ripples of kindness ...
ReplyDeleteYou're an inspiration Korki. Thanks!
DeleteThere is a healthy balance between enjoying what is good in your own life and thinking about people who don't have much to rejoice. If we go around feeling miserable for others all the time, it won't help them much. Only thinking about them, neither. It's only when we do something concrete for them, we make a difference, such as giving away stuff that we don't need ourselves. You do very well, Linda. And yes, part of having a conscious is struggling with the feeling that we aren't doing enough.
ReplyDeleteWell said Otto! I'll work on achieving and maintaining that balance.
DeleteThose figures are so shocking Linda. It's always good to be charitable both with our money and our actions. Your clearing out your closet is a great thing to do. As I am finishing working on 31 March (it's a long story) I will have time to clear some of the many things I have never had the time to do before! x
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the statistics are as bad in other countries? I hope your March 31 is your choice and that you enjoy the time afterwards. I'll look forward to seeing some great projects!
DeleteSixty women per day that are turned away. That's a huge number! It's not such a bad thing to remember the bad sides of life as long as we don't let them drag us down. Sounds like Deacon Joe is putting his awareness to good use.
ReplyDeleteDeacon Joe is in his 80s too, which reminds me that getting older doesn't have to stop us from doing good things in the world.
DeleteGood reminder. I'm no where near Cleveland but I'm going now to google shelters in my area.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to inspire your googling. Thanks Terri!
DeleteI have a vague memory of another women's issue that you spoke about in your blog some time ago. Eventually, it'll resurface from my brain.
ReplyDeleteAs represented by your image, you definitely have a heart for people who are suffering. Mine is all over the place. One week it's children, next, it's the elderly, then & always women, minorities, the poor, the sick, you name it. Important thing is though, is to stay aware and help when and as much as we can. Thank you for doing your part - following your heart by writing this post.
I'm committed to doing what I can to stop violence and discrimination against women. I don't always know what the best action should be, but at least to bring these issues into the light. Maybe someday we'll live in a better world?
DeleteI hope so.
ReplyDeleteThank God for the Deacon Joes of the world. I also have that internal conflict I think you are expressing--wondering how I should do more, thinking of the great saints who serve God and humanity in magnificent and sacrificial ways. Yet I tell myself (and pretty much believe) that my seemingly trivial deeds, taking care of my family and making things, just trying to put wholesome, life-affirming stuff into the world are also of value, even indispensable. But 60 a day. Where do they go then?
ReplyDeleteThank you for reminding me.
DeleteI think they go back to the one who beats them, or live in their car, or under a bridge. If they're lucky, maybe they've got a friend or family member who will take them. The shelters do try to find places for them by calling other facilities, but there aren't enough spaces for them all. Basic safety ought to be a right and I wish my tax dollars went to helping people instead of wars.
ReplyDeleteSeriously.
DeleteI donated a winter jacket the other day. O.K., it was actually stolen. But hopefully they needed it more than I do. You're taking up a good cause this week. You never know what could come of your spotlight. And thanks for visiting my writing blog!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sharon! I can only hope something good comes from this. Sorry about your coat, but I'm thinking you've got the best attitude about it since it's gone. I think I'd just be mad about it.
ReplyDeleteLinda, that is a kind post, giving is important. But sometimes it gets a bit too much when on one street you are asked to donate for animals, the ill, elders and homeless. Then I give to one but still feel bad passing the others without giving.
ReplyDeleteI know the feeling. My view is to choose what issues matter most to you and which organizations are best at addressing those issues. Or, like what I said in this post, Deacon Joe's comment about 60 women a day hit me hard and I felt I should do something about it, however small my contribution is compared to the size of the problem. Beating ourselves up past that point only makes us one more victim, right? Good for you for having good intentions!
Delete