Witnessing, through televised reporting, the war in Gaza has made me ever so aware of the true gift it is to have a place to call home - in a county, a state, a country where I truly belong. The feeling of security that brings is a treasure.

I feel powerless to make any difference in what is going on in Israel. But that powerlessness makes me even more motivated to pursue our declared intentions of working in the area of housing insecurity right where we are.

My sense is that homelessness can be every bit as frightening and as threatening, to individuals and families experiencing it, if it is caused by domestic dysfunction as if it is caused by war. The feelings of despair, helplessness, and abandonment, I would imagine, would be real and powerful, regardless of the source.

So, while, with the Psalmist (122:6-7), I “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem,” I am also inquiring of ourselves as to where we are with our own commitment.

With thanksgiving for the peace within our borders,
Bev+