What Is Your Why?

My Why:

I often wonder, what would have happened to me if I didn't have my family as a safety net? They are, of course, much more than that to me. But, I always took it for granted that no matter what, my family would be there for me.

After I spent many years on the streets of NYC, addicted to drugs, living the lifestyle that goes with it, I was finally able to call my family and tell them I was ready to come home. I needed help. I wanted a different life. They caught me in my built-in safety net, and I went home, I had the support I needed, and now I am living the "different" life I wanted. Still, the thought never occurred to me...

~~~WHAT IF I DIDN'T HAVE MY FAMILY?

The reality is, there are so many people who are living on the streets for various reasons, that do not have a built-in safety net. They have aged out of foster care and are not prepared for life alone, or they are mentally ill and unable to manage their lives, or they lost their families for different reasons...but the fact is, they do not have a safety net. And I cannot imagine that...

So, My why: I do what I do at Micah because WE are THEIR safety net. I get to be one of the strands in the net that catches them when they need us.

If we combine what I do, with what you can do, we can help so many people have an opportunity to live the life God has planned for them.

I want to share a story of a young man who for reasons beyond his control became homeless in his early 20s and was sleeping in a sleeping bag and tent under some large rocks. He is a social butterfly and is quite full of joy, regardless of the traumas and circumstances that were affecting his living situations.

When I began at Micah, he and I hit it off right away. I could easily see his intelligence, and God given gifts inside him. From that day, I began to just speak life giving words to him. I wanted him to know that no matter how life seemed right now, that he has purposes that he was created to fulfill.

He is going to church, serving on a team, and is in school. He has had his ups and downs, but he is pretty head strong and is excited about one purpose God has already revealed to him at church.

I was driving him home from church and he said, "Dana, I know my purpose."

I excitedly asked him, "Awesome!! What is it?"

He said, "My purpose is to show others that they can make it through hard times and that they will be ok, too."

I said, "Ya know. I think you are right on target with that." I have since told him that he will have many purposes in life, and I was excited to get to see him walk them all out in a way that fulfills him and helps others!

He didn't have a built-in safety net, but with Micah, he does have a safety net woven together by all of us, including you. Every person who helps Micah, is a part of his and many other amazing people's safety net.

Just a small donation will go a long way to helping me meet my goal for Micah Ecumenical Ministries Inc.

I HOPE YOU WILL CONSIDER TAKING THE LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR CHALLENGE WITH ME AND START YOUR OWN FUNDRAISER FOR THE CAUSE!