God Help Us

"God help us. We must go to people. Listen to people. Start where they are, not where we want them to be. And from their point of need, lovingly share the good news." 

Lysa Terkeurst

 

I heard the words from my first critic since my book Ya Know What I'm Say'n : Hearing the Voice of the Homeless came out. I have had an outpouring of love and support and the sales are very encouraging but I knew it was coming, and it did.

 

The newspaper did an article on me and the Blanket Ministry I had started and the book I had written and a lady saw it and decided to criticize on facebook. I do not know her.

 

I was told by many that when you put words out there for the public to see, you need to be sure you have thick skin for the critics. I found out mine is tough enough to take it, I was ok, but still tender enough that compassion is still here and it always will be.

 

The critic in a nutshell said I was enabling the homeless and she hoped I would take all my proceeds and buy them homes out in the country where I lived.

 

The only thing I would like to have seen happen is this:

 

Talk to me and get to know me and what I am about.

Get facts on the ministries before criticizing them.

Before criticizing a book, please read it first.

 

And my question back to her would be . .

"What is your answer if we don't go to them and help if they so choose to take it, to step out of the dire, depressed sinking hole they are in? Ignoring does no good. Complaining from our comfortable chairs does no good.

 

I like Lisa's words above and they sound a lot like something Jesus told us to do. . .

"Go."

 

When people see a snippet and does not follow up with facts, they miss so much.

There have been wonderful, happy endings from the bridge.

There are homeless who are now homeless no more.

The critics want there to be no homeless.

But the critics do not seem to realize that when you reach out a helping hand with a loving heart, sharing the love of Christ and showing the despaired one where they can find Hope,

the numbers on the street can begin to diminish.

But, it takes time.

And for those who show up, they could use prayer.

If one wants or needs to stay in the comfort of their home, then I would just ask,

Please, don't criticize, please pray for strength for all involved, guidance from the Lord, and an abundance of grace and love to give.

And please, be patient. Many good things take time.

 

I welcome all opinions.

I just ask kindness and respect and please know the facts.

 

God help us all. . .please and thank you!

 

If you would like to read the rest of Lysa TerKeurst's post, you can find it here:

 

http://lysaterkeurst.com/?utm_source=feedblitz&utm_medium=FeedBlitzEmail&utm_content=303165&utm_campaign=0

If you are interested in the book Ya Know What I'm Say'n, please click on the book cover to the right and it will take you to the Amazon site.

~Thank you and God bless you~