The Rogue Speaks:
I had to really mull over this one. Today, I have a pretty bad attitude! I have certain rules by which I run my life, and when someone scoffs at those rules, it makes me more than pissy. That was the case today. I will not go into details, but when I got home from my meetings this morning, I was not a happy camper. So I sent my pissy self into a fugue state and tried to gain control of the situation. That took some time, but eventually it kinda sorta worked. I am calmer, but not completely satisfied.
Yes, I broke the rules. I have too many words! But, so what? I NEED to get my point across, and I don't think Jenny will flog me for this. So here is my offering for Jenny's Saturday Centus. Please be kind!
'WE GATHER TOGETHER TO ASK THE LORD'S BLESSING'…
The words of the hymn came drifting out of the door of the Gospel Rescue Mission. Alexis, with her three children in tow, paused briefly to hear the last refrain, and then continued on toward the spot that she had “reserved” underneath the overpass near “the five,” the name given by the natives for interstate 5 in Los Angeles.
“Outsourced” had been the buzz-word when Alexis was told that her job had ended. The Gospel Rescue Mission was full—no more beds available tonight, so her little family had been relegated to sleeping amidst the fumes from the trucks passing through the city.
“I’m not alone,” she reasoned. “There are probably more than a handful of those 99% who are struggling tonight. At least my children know how much I love them! How many of the one per-centers can say that? There ARE things to be thankful for!”
19 comments:
Sad:
__And yet so many of the 99% seem more concerned about the "Iconic Divorces." Who cares what movie star is divorcing her 'child-aged' husband, or that 'month long marriage' publicity stunt. And it is whom... that should be "outsourced?"
__My acid thoughts could go on, and on, and on! But I'll stop now, before I offend some 'special interest group.'
of struggle
her love spills to the fore
her young know
_m
Beautifully put. Sometimes I do my best work when feeling "pissy"... the results are more raw, more real. Well done! Hope you have a happy Thanksgiving! It's good to find cause to give thanks, whether the 1% or the 99%. :)
Thanks for reminding us what's important, Judie. Very well done.
I'm sorry you've been feeling pissy.
A BIG, WARM hug back to you. And please forward your address for some of that chocolate basted turkey.
xoRobyn
Gosh Judie, that is heartbreaking. When I think of people needing jobs, my own daughter being one of them, I get so wrapped up in helping my daughter make up the loss of her income that I have put on blinders to everyone elses plight. This was an excellent story Judie. What a painful awakening. ~Ames
Judie what a stark reminder of the realities of the world we live in today. Sad! I have been this woman. I thank God my children are grown now and that they ahve always known I loved them. Things are much different for me now. But... it is just one pay check to easy to be ther again. We have so much to be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving.
Blessings
Well done! Thank you for the reminder of how good I have it, even with all of the disappointments.
Having lived in CA for most of my life, I know well the "5" and the shelter it provides for many. My heart goes out to those who call it home.
Blessings to you this Thanksgiving week!
Such a touching response, and having just come back from California, your words shadow just what I saw there. Not in Disneyland, an unbelievable safe harbor for what really isn't everywhere in Ca. I too picked up saying "the Five" and know somebody who around here tries to do that with our freeway numbers, but it doesn't work. And as for so many homeless and souls who have lost their way....if you have a heart to open their way....it's a great a place as any to begin....we can't just live only for ourselves.
Judie, ( I will
This was excellent, especially since you were feeling out of sorts...good recovery ! Having just traversed the '5' freeway in Cali, I didn't have a thought of anyone underneath ( I will never forget to say a prayer in future travels ) using the convergence was shelter...I love how your story ended, in hope, thankfulness and great love...Bravo !!!
Oops ! Typos...sorry !!!
You have such a gift with words Judie! I liked how you took this religious phrase and translated it into the unfortunate reality of our times for so many. Holiday season really underlines the gap between the haves and the have nots.
I sm consistently amazed at how you make me feel so much with so few words. These are sad times. Thank goodness for love!
Oh Judie, this is powerful and poignant. We do need to count our blessings and in so doing, we must remember those who have far less than we do, but still find a positive note. Thank you for this reminder.
Now *that's* counting blessings! There but for the grace.... Way to channel that pissiness!
I say, 'To each his own". That's what makes the world so wonderful. can you imagine what a dull place it would be if we all had the same rules? Glad to hear that you mood is a bit cheerier. Yes, I have SO much to be thankful for. Lots of blessings!
The current state of the economy has been such an awakening for many. People have found themselves in situations where I doubt they ever thought they would end up.
Gorgeously written...
Erika
It’s a Wrap Link Party at Artful Rising
The lack of compassion in this world is appalling, but even more appalling are the excuses the greedy use to rationalize their lack of compassion. Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Judie, and get to spend many pleasant hours with your loved ones.
Wonderful words for a beautiful season we are in full swing with! I no longer worry about silly things and spending foolishly. I choose carefully when buying a single gift for the gang here. I relish my time with them. I treasure each word and meal and moment. Your story was touching. My heart hurts for the homeless. I wish I could do more but I have been known to help out in a moment when I see someone down and out. The Lord has this whisper He tells me what to do! I always listen. People that I know that have wonderful relationships have so much more than many that have merely things in their lives. I am always grateful for my phamily. I adore my blogging friends and I love spending time with friends far and near! I wish our governments near and far would follow suit. I am appalled at the lack of caring in our society particularly by those with money to burn. I am so sick of the celebrity buzz when soldiers all over the world are risking their lives for the safety of others and no one should be hungry ever in America! My kids have gone to school with kids that have nothing, it makes me furious and sick all in the same way!
Oh Judie. I struggle with these issues so much, too. I am angered and saddened and hate how so many are willing to turn away from the sadness and ugliness of these issues.
You can only do what you can do.
You have such a lovely heart.
I am thankful for you!
Missed this one...
Good to get pissed sometimes. Makes us all open our eyes to the starkness of someone elses reality. Someday we'll know why............
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