Proceeding my statement of intent to help, I had learned of terrible things that had gone on there and I again felt my heart breaking. I left with my mind racing, trying to figure out how I could get her out of that situation. At the same time, in the back of my mind, I realized that I was getting in way over my head. I could not understand why none of her six children were not helping her out and I felt driven to do what I could to save her.
My sweet husband has been so supportive of my many passionate endeavors and this situation was no different. When I came home telling of her dire situation, he not only supported me getting her an air conditioner, but suggested getting two. I love the generosity of his heart.
However, as the story of this family member and her surrounding relatives ( of whom I do not know) unfolded, I think I started to become aware of the real danger that accompanied this mission. My husband felt it as well and was overcome with a sense of deep foreboding. That stopped me in my tracks and lead me to pray for the direction to move in next. The name of the pastor at my grandparents church kept coming to mind, so I decided to make an appointment with him.
As I drove to my meeting the following morning, I asked God for absolute clarity and discernment. I wanted to help her, but was feeling very uneasy.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
On Safari in the Devil's Triangle
I recently stumbled into a spiritual briar patch and found myself having to lean on the discernment of God's will in an unexpected way. I know, sounds a bit convoluted at the moment but let me set the stage for you.
About a week ago, an extended family member that I had recently seen at my grandfather's funeral, called me to borrow money. She had occasionally borrowed from my gramps and was always good about paying it back. I had observed that she did not ask often ( at least in the last year and a half), so, being the softy that I am when it comes to helping people out, lent her the money. At the time, she did not have a car, so since her house was not too far out of the way, I took it to her. I was completely taken aback when I arrived at her house. It was 2 houses behind a crack house in a neighborhood that is known as the devil's triangle. There was stuff everywhere, bugs scuttering about in the background and the air was thick with heat. She had no air conditioning. My heart sank. This was no way for anyone to live, let alone a sixty something woman with brain cancer. I felt as though a burning bush had just ignited right in front of my eyes.
The visit was short, but nice, she promised to pay me back in a week. Once in the car, I immediately started trying to figure out the logistics on how to get her air condtioning and proceeded in the next few days to score a great portable unit for $200 less that the advertised price, thanks to a very nice Home Depot manager. I delivered it, giddy as a schoolgirl, happy that I could bring her at least some comfort. We visited again and I learned more about the dangers of living there and heard myself saying I wanted to help her get out of that situation.
About a week ago, an extended family member that I had recently seen at my grandfather's funeral, called me to borrow money. She had occasionally borrowed from my gramps and was always good about paying it back. I had observed that she did not ask often ( at least in the last year and a half), so, being the softy that I am when it comes to helping people out, lent her the money. At the time, she did not have a car, so since her house was not too far out of the way, I took it to her. I was completely taken aback when I arrived at her house. It was 2 houses behind a crack house in a neighborhood that is known as the devil's triangle. There was stuff everywhere, bugs scuttering about in the background and the air was thick with heat. She had no air conditioning. My heart sank. This was no way for anyone to live, let alone a sixty something woman with brain cancer. I felt as though a burning bush had just ignited right in front of my eyes.
The visit was short, but nice, she promised to pay me back in a week. Once in the car, I immediately started trying to figure out the logistics on how to get her air condtioning and proceeded in the next few days to score a great portable unit for $200 less that the advertised price, thanks to a very nice Home Depot manager. I delivered it, giddy as a schoolgirl, happy that I could bring her at least some comfort. We visited again and I learned more about the dangers of living there and heard myself saying I wanted to help her get out of that situation.
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