Chapter 79
Homelessness Could Happen To Anyone
On October 14, 2008, as we were working hard to complete the first edition of our book, the local newspaper, The Sun Herald, carried several shocking story headlines on the homeless situation in America. The top article, Financial Crisis incites Violence stated, “Suicide hotlines jam with people depressed over losing their homes.” it was a story about all of the people who were becoming homeless because of the serious economic conditions in America. The news reported that because of the climbing adjustable interest rates, families were finding they could not pay their mortgage payments and many were turning to suicide, some even murdering their families because they could not deal with losing their homes. Certainly these news articles prove that many people, when forced to make critical life changing decisions under pressure, can make serious errors in judgment.
Why do we end our book with such depressing news? it has been over 15 years since god gave us the charge to write this book-a book to help prepare those that may find themselves homeless or to encourage Americans to help those that become homeless. The reality of homelessness happening anywhere within our country at any given time is fully upon us. Citizens are experiencing the challenge of losing their homes probably worse now than at any time in our short history and at the same time finding it hard to trust each other for help. There has never been a more important time in history to think about the future of America-our freedoms, our economy, and the possibility of an attack or war within our borders.
For years Janie and I have believed that one-day hundreds of thousands, even millions of Americans may find themselves homeless. Americans should also consider that they might not find them -selves homeless, but that they may be called upon to help others that have become homeless. Therefore, an important aspect for us to consider is whether we will help homeless families that god may put in our path. This is a crucial decision. It is time to prepare our mind and spirit so that if we are faced with a decision to help others, we have the strength and discernment to make the right decisions for our family and for others that may need our help. This is a strange scenario for Americans to consider, and why we feel that it is critically important that families do consider what they would do when facing either of these two great challenges.
it is time to be vigilant and prepared. Each of us must weigh out the important plans relating to our personal family’s survival in the event of a serious disaster. There is not a single correct answer. For instance, does the family have a central contact point if a disaster were to separate everyone? is provision set aside for monetary, travel, or food needs? More importantly, although physical preparation may be valuable, the main reason for this book is to encourage families to spiritually prepare to face the uncertain times just ahead of us. Correct spiritual preparation begins with daily Bible reading and prayer.