Strong families

I read yet another article blaming the government for homelessness, which, yeah, the government has an effect. But that's not the core issue.

Growing strong families is the core issue. Strong families are those that love each other, care for each other's needs, stick together, help and support each other financially, physically, emotionally, spiritually. Strong families grow together, pray together, call on the power of God together, knowing they cannot do without His help. Strong families are composed of people who make mistakes, but who forgive each other and try again.

Which leads us back to religious principles, not in church buildings or officials, but in lived experience. The principles Jesus Christ taught: love is action to help each other; forgive, forgive, forgive; try again; ask for help and offer help, humbly and cheerfully; rest as needed; these are the principles that lead to stronger families.

Families are the basic building blocks of society. Many who are homeless are there because some other part of society has let them down, or because in trying to solve their heartache they've left families that hurt them or chose not to support them. The blame is not all on any one side, and if we forgive, the blame doesn't matter anyway.

Jesus Christ heals our hearts. Following Him faithfully leads to more peace, more healing, more calm in the face of lots of problems. We will always have problems. He told us, "The poor you will always have with you." But we can make our burdens and theirs lighter, by supporting and helping each other.

Begin today. Smile at someone. Give a hug (with permission). Salt someone's steps to get rid of ice. Open the door for them. Shake hands. Carry things for them. Shout Criminentlies! instead of swearing. Pause. Think it through first, then respond. You can do this.