“Give to the one who asks you.” (Matthew 5:42) Before you know it, October will be here and my project to help homeless women will mark its seven-year anniversary! I’m so grateful for what I’ve learned and accomplished, the incredible people I’ve met, and how many unforgettable moments I’ve experienced so far.
Imagine. Set the intention. Be bold. Take risks. Follow through. Will it into being, with action. That is the essence of magic. What you are doing is what you seem made to do.
That said, I feel compelled to challenge you on the word/concept of miracles. Not that I don't believe in miracles.
Well, on the one hand, one might say, it is a miracle Joe Brandon can still put logical sentences together. One might say it would be a miracle if he retired. People are loose with the word quite often. The literal definition would be something that occurs that defies the law of physics, that cannot be described with reason or logic, such as a blind man who now sees, or the cancer that disappeared, or the tumor that dried up - without medical intervention. But then there are those of us who might argue that the miraculous is woven into the fabric of the universe, when one has an enchanted world view miraculous is more normative, the universe is awake and alive, and interacting with it then takes on a distinctly mysterious essence that feels miraculous, and very strange and inexplicable things do happen.
Thanks for this, William! You made me think about how a word like "anxiety" is normal in everyday usage. But say it in front of a mental health professional, and it takes on a new meaning.
You also touch on a few of the aspects of miracles that have me pondering. For example, since people are loose with the word, it might have power in my project's title. But that might not be the best intention.
Basically, I want to facilitate events and moments that take on "a distinctly mysterious essence that feels miraculous." But how does one come up with a "brand name" (so to speak) that helps folks understand what I'm doing and thus, support it?
Maybe something like "Stepping up (or out) for Angels." Angel's of course defying physics, reason and logic, and in this case innocently conflating angles and homeless women. Or maybe Streetwise Magic, or Streetwise Miraculous, or, Angel's on Miracle Street or Serving Miracles, or Serving the Miraculous, or Miracles, Women and the Street. Anyway, just spitballing. I imagine you can use the word miracle as long as it is neither pedestrian or claiming some special power.
This Daily Word from Unity Church on 7/13 feels apropos!
"Zeal"
With God, I have the energy to do more and be more.
What motivates and inspires me, filling me with energy and enthusiasm? Career, leisure pursuits, and family and friends may motivate me, but they pale in comparison to my relationship with God and all it brings me. This is my deepest motivation.
With God, I have the zeal to do more and be more. I see myself as I truly am—a child of God. As God’s beloved, I am imbued with divine gifts that bless myself and others. I am confident and inspired, as well as humbled, in awe of the world and its creation.
I maintain my connection with God by the spiritual practices that best energize me. I may read inspirational material, pray, or spend time in fellowship with others. I tap into the power to do more than I could possibly have imagined.
"Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord." —Romans 12:11
Hi Mickey, I was having a deja vu experience about this yesterday. Are California lottery is very high right now. I rarely buy a lottery ticket. I can't remember the last time I did. Friends I was with encouraged me to get one I thought well someone's got to win. Let me put law of attraction in action and think about what I would do with the winnings. One of the first ideas that came to mind was donating a larger amount to you. I wondered what you would do if you had the money to do something significant for the homeless and people you serve. My sister works in the mental health field. She has a tough job. She is actually out in the field herself day-to-day where the homeless live and have their lives. I am awe-inspired by her work. She is 70 years old and still going strong. This will mean a lot of work for you and a lot of it the drudgery you probably won't like. Things like setting up 501c corporations getting aborted directors stating your purpose and goals and having the related business plan. But I feel you have an audience that would like to hear it. Your heart is in the right place You've been doing the work anyway let's get some funding underneath you after you spend some time on the more specifics of the plan. Haven't won the lottery (yet) but I'm still willing to help.
Elise! It is SO very kind of you to think of and yes, the system is not exactly set up to help the helpers. I've managed so far to evade partnering with the bureaucracy and plan to keep it that way.
Again, you support and help is so inspiring. Thank you!
I’m pretty sure you know this. Twenty years ago, a colleague of mine and I dove into the local homelessness crisis, seeking to raise funds to increase the bed capacity of the existing shelter providers. We quickly discovered that some of the shelter providers viewed the funding sources as a zero sum game. I was actually threatened by the director of one of the women and children shelter providers. We ended up going underground and raised money via various charity events and then distributed the proceeds through a reputable foundation.
I was really disheartened by the response of the provider community, but when funding flows through government contracts, there’s little room for regular peeps to help. Obviously, their fear was that if we succeeded, their govt funding would be reduced.
Imagine. Set the intention. Be bold. Take risks. Follow through. Will it into being, with action. That is the essence of magic. What you are doing is what you seem made to do.
That said, I feel compelled to challenge you on the word/concept of miracles. Not that I don't believe in miracles.
Thank you, my friend...MUCH appreciated! I'm typing this while wearing a "Be Bold" t-shirt.
And I have my own reasons and reservations about the term "miracles" and I'm quite open to hearing yours.
Well, on the one hand, one might say, it is a miracle Joe Brandon can still put logical sentences together. One might say it would be a miracle if he retired. People are loose with the word quite often. The literal definition would be something that occurs that defies the law of physics, that cannot be described with reason or logic, such as a blind man who now sees, or the cancer that disappeared, or the tumor that dried up - without medical intervention. But then there are those of us who might argue that the miraculous is woven into the fabric of the universe, when one has an enchanted world view miraculous is more normative, the universe is awake and alive, and interacting with it then takes on a distinctly mysterious essence that feels miraculous, and very strange and inexplicable things do happen.
Thanks for this, William! You made me think about how a word like "anxiety" is normal in everyday usage. But say it in front of a mental health professional, and it takes on a new meaning.
You also touch on a few of the aspects of miracles that have me pondering. For example, since people are loose with the word, it might have power in my project's title. But that might not be the best intention.
Basically, I want to facilitate events and moments that take on "a distinctly mysterious essence that feels miraculous." But how does one come up with a "brand name" (so to speak) that helps folks understand what I'm doing and thus, support it?
Maybe something like "Stepping up (or out) for Angels." Angel's of course defying physics, reason and logic, and in this case innocently conflating angles and homeless women. Or maybe Streetwise Magic, or Streetwise Miraculous, or, Angel's on Miracle Street or Serving Miracles, or Serving the Miraculous, or Miracles, Women and the Street. Anyway, just spitballing. I imagine you can use the word miracle as long as it is neither pedestrian or claiming some special power.
These are all very helpful suggestions that point me in directions I had not considered. Thanks for taking the time to help, my friend! More soon...
This Daily Word from Unity Church on 7/13 feels apropos!
"Zeal"
With God, I have the energy to do more and be more.
What motivates and inspires me, filling me with energy and enthusiasm? Career, leisure pursuits, and family and friends may motivate me, but they pale in comparison to my relationship with God and all it brings me. This is my deepest motivation.
With God, I have the zeal to do more and be more. I see myself as I truly am—a child of God. As God’s beloved, I am imbued with divine gifts that bless myself and others. I am confident and inspired, as well as humbled, in awe of the world and its creation.
I maintain my connection with God by the spiritual practices that best energize me. I may read inspirational material, pray, or spend time in fellowship with others. I tap into the power to do more than I could possibly have imagined.
"Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord." —Romans 12:11
Thank you so much for sharing this, Malika. It means a lot and I love the synchronicity! 😍
Mickey Z. - putting the Z in zeal! 😇
Hi Mickey, I was having a deja vu experience about this yesterday. Are California lottery is very high right now. I rarely buy a lottery ticket. I can't remember the last time I did. Friends I was with encouraged me to get one I thought well someone's got to win. Let me put law of attraction in action and think about what I would do with the winnings. One of the first ideas that came to mind was donating a larger amount to you. I wondered what you would do if you had the money to do something significant for the homeless and people you serve. My sister works in the mental health field. She has a tough job. She is actually out in the field herself day-to-day where the homeless live and have their lives. I am awe-inspired by her work. She is 70 years old and still going strong. This will mean a lot of work for you and a lot of it the drudgery you probably won't like. Things like setting up 501c corporations getting aborted directors stating your purpose and goals and having the related business plan. But I feel you have an audience that would like to hear it. Your heart is in the right place You've been doing the work anyway let's get some funding underneath you after you spend some time on the more specifics of the plan. Haven't won the lottery (yet) but I'm still willing to help.
Elise! It is SO very kind of you to think of and yes, the system is not exactly set up to help the helpers. I've managed so far to evade partnering with the bureaucracy and plan to keep it that way.
Again, you support and help is so inspiring. Thank you!
I’m pretty sure you know this. Twenty years ago, a colleague of mine and I dove into the local homelessness crisis, seeking to raise funds to increase the bed capacity of the existing shelter providers. We quickly discovered that some of the shelter providers viewed the funding sources as a zero sum game. I was actually threatened by the director of one of the women and children shelter providers. We ended up going underground and raised money via various charity events and then distributed the proceeds through a reputable foundation.
I was really disheartened by the response of the provider community, but when funding flows through government contracts, there’s little room for regular peeps to help. Obviously, their fear was that if we succeeded, their govt funding would be reduced.
Thank you and yes, the system is stifling and inhuman. Like you, I've worked outside the "official" channels and very much plan to stay that way. 🙏
Are you in NYC?
Yes.
All right. I’m in for the meager contribution i can afford. 🙏 plus lots of intercessory prayer.
Thank you! 🙏 Prayers welcome 24/7 and whenever a donation is not possible, it can be huge if you (or anyone) shares the links far and wide. 🙏
You got it!