I Can Help.
The homeless scene in downtown SLC opened it’s doors a bit so that I could take a quick peek in.
These are the moments that can change the course of ones life and mission. It’s affected me that deeply!
The other night, I drove home from an event filled with people learning how to better their lives.
As I pulled up to a street corner I noticed a very old, thin man and was unable to stand up straight. Walking completely hunched over with a weathered look on his face, I saw him slowly park his shopping cart filled with blankets and other personal items then walk over to an equally frail old woman. It was clear she had little to no teeth and was completely reliant on this old man. Her wheelchair also was equally loaded down with blankets and personal items.
As I watched this old man care for her, and then slowly took her across the street. I thought, who is letting their parents, grandparents live like this! And who will and can help them!
As I turned the corner, and drove a little further, I found a small group of noticeably mentally ill homeless people preparing their beds. Trying to keep the cold and dew off of themselves. They layered blankets, some had umbrellas, and boxes.
Undoubtedly this old, frail couple were going to sleep with their fellow homeless comrades.
As I looked upon this scene, I remembered desperate times in my life when I was temporally homeless and family took my children and I in. I remembered all the times I’ve been in huge need, and I was given everything I asked for, with many needs given too out of the kindness and generosity of kind people.
Some might judge my situation as a stay-at-home mom of 4 very young children in need of a new home, away from a very bad situation.
You might say that the homeless brought this on themselves because they lack the work ethic, skill, or addiction, so they won’t not can’t provide for themselves. But, when the snow flies and those mentally ill people or that old couple are without 
food and shelter all winter, can you honestly say that you are right to do nothing?
Aren’t we all beggars in some way? Don’t we all rely somewhat on the inventions, innovations, and merits of others at one time or another. As infants and children, we were all beggars and were shown great compassion.
So, as election day has come and past, I hope we won’t wait for our elected officials to fix everything. I hope we will remember that we are beggars and that there should be no poor among us.
It’s our pride, arrogance, and greed that separates and divides us. It is love and empathy that connects, strengthens, and builds an individual, community, and nation together as one.
Let’s join together to build up a Zion nation. It’s not up to the politicians, its the people’s job. Let’s begin today to build ourselves, homes, communities, and nation into the place we love and want to call home.
