In our county we have more than fifty churches in just one denomination.  During a recent discussion we began to consider if each church could put together a group of five to seven folks who would agree to provide a circle of support to our shelter guests. Their purpose would be to get to…

     Over the years I have had the privilege to hang out with folks who struggle with mental illness.  Some are more minor, and some are life paralyzing.  An interesting observation that I have made is that those that are the most mentally ill do not know that they are mentally ill.  Everything that they…

 There are great movements to try to take away the shame of poverty, mental illness, homelessness and addiction.  Removing the stigma that often encourages folks to resist all efforts to help them is a good and worthwhile idea.  However, the negative side effect is that even a negative emotion like shame has a purpose.  Fear…

     Early in my Christian walk I heard of God’s amazing grace and rejoiced.  My impression of God was simply as a divine judge who was just waiting to sentence me to Hell.  At an altar at nearly 22 years old I had surrendered my old self which many tears and true repentance.  That night…