As I listen to the drum beats of my Ancestors’ drums in my memory, it is like the beat of my heart. I think about what the days of old must have been like, that it must have been so community oriented and close knit like a big family. There would have been no homelessness or lack of love in each community because they all grew together and took care of one another.

Back to present-day reality, I look out my window and see the snow falling down softly, which has filled my back yard. I see paw prints of a stray cat sneaking. I wonder of the ones who are like the stray cat in need of a warm home. The thought of being homeless is so sad but they are wonderful people who are survivors. I know because I too had my moments in life when I was homeless and feeling lost and depressed due to life’s sorrows and choices that brought me to that point in my life.

I have come to know a lot of homeless folks and they are really nice people with their life stories that had broken them down to where they now are in a lifestyle of addiction and brokenness. I frequent the Hope Mission and the Herb Jamieson chapel for services that are beneficial for me spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. The walk there also helps me physically to get my joints in motion so they are not so achy.

Places like Hope Mission and Herb Jamieson have been around for a long duration in the community, from the grassroots of being a soup kitchen to what has developed into a shelter for men and women. It also has Christian based recovery programs that are helpful in many aspects of life. I have taken an anger management course on a Wednesday evening and it has given me a fresh aspect on issues and tools to work with my self awareness. Anger is a strong emotion but underlying it all is hurt.

I have also joined the servant body team at the Hope Mission in which we all have different ways to help out, such as ushering or serving food and drinks or praying or singing. It is a wonderful experience to be part of a church family in the Boyle Street and McCauley area. Hope Mission and Herb Jamieson are historic places that have services for many in different capacities to make a person’s life liveable and may transform lives as well.

The pastoral team is wonderful in counselling people as well. I know my Pastor Alan has a heart for people and I have come to know the servant body team as family whom I love and care for too. I also have Boyle McCauley News to thank as well for this opportunity to write monthly. As challenging as it is to write sometimes I love it.

So take time to enjoy life and one another in God’s love.