Friday, February 18, 2011

It's Hard, It's Very Hard

Invisiblepeople.tv's latest interview with Angie and Matt rings very true. There are folks in this exact same situation here in Tyler; people who are using all their available income, whether that's from a minimum wage job, or a disability check, or panhandling, to pay the $190-$220 per week required to stay in an old motel. For these folks who are likely doing all they can to acquire income, the motel is an acceptable opportunity for shelter, especially in winter, but it is also a trap in that it is impossible to save enough funds required for the deposits, rent, and move-in expenses for a safe, decent, affordable place to live.

Their simple wishlist of a job, a car, an apartment, and getting their kids back is very touching and also one that I've heard repeatedly here in beautiful East Texas. There is a great need for temporary, supportive, transitional housing! Anybody know of an old motel we can buy to start dealing with this need? The world is watching!

Tuesday, February 01, 2011

Sometimes Its Personal

It is interesting to me that some of us are quite sure and even adamant about the correctness of our opinions; until our world is rocked by a close personal encounter which forces us to re-think. I have certainly been there enough that I am now open to that occurring on nearly every topic. A true "post-modernist", I guess. There are a very few "core" tenets that I will cling to and defend at this point; I think it is a similar list to one that we would get from Jesus and the apostles, based on my reading of Scripture.

Another example came to my RSS reader today, as another Church of Christ preacher decides its time to openly discuss the "issue" we have with women in public and leadership roles. I don't know his previous conviction on the subject or if he has ever discussed it before, but his blog post says he has been silent. And what has brought about this epiphany, this "coming out"? His wife is expecting a little girl! Having an injustice affect your own children is a great motivator! Its time to repent and right some wrongs. Its kingdom work! The world is watching!