I was just three weeks shy of 19 when I had Tori. I was essentially alone, with the exception of a few good friends. Thankfully I don't think I knew just how hard it was at the time. I had made a LOT of poor choices so I figured, at the time and for a long time after, that the hardship and loneliness that I was experiencing was well deserved. People looked down on me because I was a young, single mom. I worked hard and went to community college and then on to a university to prove 'them' all wrong. [Side note: 'Them' never turned out to really be anyone else but 'me.'] Don't get me wrong, harsh judgement by others was a common occurrence. Even up until recent years I could hear it in people's voices at Tori's school and even church events. I guess those couple of gray hairs these last few years has finally earned me the right to have a daughter half my age. :)
I cannot begin to imagine what living on the streets would be like; how hard it would be on so many levels. And I won't insult my homeless friends to say that I understand, but I have caught a small glimpse of what judgement and isolation can do to the human spirit and that I can relate to, if only for a small piece of it. Many have made some poor choices - like I did. Most are looked down upon and instantly judged because of where they're at in life right now - like I was. Many feel lonely and isolated - like I did. Some think that they deserve to feel that way - like I did. God pursued me, and thankfully I responded. And now He has equipped me and is using me to pursue His peeps that hang out at the American Legion Plaza on Tuesdays.
PBJ Indy Why Statement: We pursue relationships with those experiencing homelessness in Indianapolis because we believe that ALL people, regardless of race, gender or social status deserve to be treated with respect and to be loved simply because of the hope and grace that God has offered to ALL of us.
