Shelter in The Storms of Life

As a child, I was taught the importance of shelter. I bet you were, too.

My parents reminded me to grab a jacket when I left the house. I was rushed inside after too long in the rain. I bundled up in a sweater, a jacket and mittens on snowy and slushy days.

I was taught that when lightning strikes, you get indoors as quickly as possible.

As an adult, these things are ingrained in me. But this time of year, as I grab a warm hat and slip on my gloves, God reminds me that not everyone is so lucky. Some are deep in the storm of life right now, and they are desperate for help.

Molly* was one of those people. She used to be homeless. She huddled in alleyways with nothing more than a filthy, soaking wet blanket to keep the rain from hitting her skin. She stuffed crumpled newspapers up her pant legs, hoping the extra insulation would give her a glimmer of relief from the biting cold wind. She had nowhere safe to go while lighting rained down from an angry sky. And she had to watch out for people who would rob and beat her for no reason at all.

She knows how frightening it is to be on the streets. Especially this time of year.

“Homelessness is cold, depressing and scary,” she says. “You always have to look over your shoulder. You don’t know what’s out there.”

But today, Molly has a place to sleep and a whole new life in front of her. She is safe, warm and rebuilding her life. She has hope!

That’s why I’m so thankful for people like you. You understand that in life we all have hard times. We all need each other and we all need the love of Jesus. As a friend of Everett Gospel Mission, you not only know that, you live it out.

On behalf of all the men and women and children who will have safe shelter with us tonight, thank you, and God bless you!

* Name changed for privacy.