I was asked to live in a level of homelessness, not understood by most, especially those in the Christian community. It happened one day in late June, 21st of June in 2022, to be exact. I thought it only for brief time… until days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, this June will be a year… my one year anniversary.
Celebrate with me! This is my story.
He who has an ear, Let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches Revelation 2:29. The Christian community did not nor could not comprehend “WHY” a most loving and forgiving God could or would ask this of me, such an extreme assignment.
Coming out of summer into the first chilly nights of fall, I was approached frequently. Some questioning my ability to make rash decisions, or that I was hearing from God. They said, “You need to come in,” (The Mission) or, “It’s too cold out here,” or, “I am your voice of reason.” Others said they were speaking on God’s behalf, and gave me the analogy of the man treading water, waiting on a miracle from God. Three came to assist, to which he replied, “No thank you.” to each.
“I’m waiting on God.” To this analogy I replied, “I appreciate your concern, waiting on God. I am not about to abort the mission because the conditions became harsh. God was perfectly able to let me know the, where, how and why.”
For them, God had been placed in a box, and unless it looked like what they knew and understood about God they were not letting “him” out. LET ME TELL YOU, GOD ALMIGHTY, WAS NEVER MEANT TO BE KEPT IN A BOX, NOR WILL “HE” EVER BE.
“He” is not in the box kind of God. “His” best work is when 1. “He” does things in His timing according to His plan and purpose. 2. He works in unconventional ways, ways that are unexpected or unfamiliar to us. 3. He will absolutely not be manipulated or controlled.
This adventure I am on is in God’s timing and will continue to be so, until it’s completion, until the number of days have been fulfilled. Until then I will not be approved for release, or departure from my assignment . My training on the streets is imperative to my growth and to my calling. Thus far I have received understanding and insight no obtained in any other way.
So it is with you, if, you are on an assignment, your growth and maturity and calling depends on the places God sends you for your training. And the things he asked you to do. The key is to embrace it, it is for His glory and your good.
What I will share now is some of that insight and understanding.
It was hard, I could not wrap my mind around what I was seeing and experiencing. As I was processing and grieving all the corruption, in Downtown city of Nashville where I was stationed. It had begun to erupt to a level of anti-homelessness, I had not been aware of previously. It was very sinister. I had noticed some “No Public Restrooms” signs popping up, while others flat out said, “No.” To the usage of their restrooms. I see both sides of the coin, how then can we come together to create a win-win? Others removed benches from their property or forbid them altogether. Additionally, finding a place to charge your phone was exhausting. Almost made me want to give up on having one. We have very few options for fulfilling these basic needs, and they are decreasing quickly.
How cruel that we should lack access to these basic functions, furthermore that our own government, locally and beyond in cooperation with our local law enforcement is behind this. A plan that has been in the process for decades possibly.
And I will share why I believe this.
Shortly after my entrance into the ominous world of the homeless community, I was made aware of a bill that passed. No coincidence here!
Mind you, without the signatures of the governor on it, (hmmm) A law was about to go into effect in just days, on July 1, 2022. I had a sinking feeling in my stomach, we were now expected to make bricks WITHOUT any straw. I now knew to what the Israelites must have felt!
The law is (SB)1610 entitled Public Safety and Property. A copy of the law and the companion bill (HB)978 are available online.
Basically, as I understand it, in a nutshell, it restricts our daily struggle even further and subjects the homeless community to increased criminalization.
The government is keeping us in a state of pre incarceration in chains and shackles until the day of incarceration, could be permanent. Using the very things (SB)1610 and (HB)978 that would and could keep us from possible housing and employment, the very things that are necessary for escape from the streets. The irony of it.
(SB)1610 and (HB)978 resemble anti-homeless legislation. More obvious than it’s ever been.
Why am I writing about this, from the streets? It effects myself as well. I am being criminalized for being homeless. You be the judge!