These images of homelessness from around the world remind us of that we ignore the poor in many countries and cultures. They also remind us of our common humanity. More here.

Photo taken by Mustafa Quraishi/Associated Press

WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF?
WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF?
TRUST IN WHAT YOUR GOD DOES
DON’T GET HIGH OR CATCH A BUZZ

WE ARE SO INFUSED WITH
BUT DON’T GET IT CONFUSED WITH
REALITY AND FAITH NOW
MAKE IT VANISH AWAY NOW

GOD SAVED ME SO OFTEN
HE SAVED ME FROM THE COFFIN
AND NOW I’M MOSTLY LAUGHING
BECAUSE I AM SO HAPPY

LET’S ALL GIVE IT AWAY NOW
HELP THE ONES IN PAIN NOW
LET’S NEVER HOARD WHAT FREELY COMES
NOW STRUM GUITARS AND BEAT THE DRUMS

——–

About the Author: Kent Loria

“I am discovering my life, perhaps for the first time.

I always wanted to be a professional singer/songwriter/guitarist. In the past five months I have begun to realize this, my primary dream.

God gave me a great talent and I am using it now to bring joy to the ones who hear the melody.”

Apart from death no condition is permanent to undercut our hopes and aspiration.

At Depaul House the residents are accorded human dignities as men, not as homeless.  The staff and the facilities are there to see that we overcome our temporary situation.

There is also Bubblez.  Bubblez the cat.  Bubblez has a challenge.  Her left hind paw is deformed yet Bubblez lives a perfect cat life, all seven of hers.  She dashes here and there, plays hide and seek, climbs over furniture and begs for food at meal time.  At times she demands quiet time.  Everything stops and you can see her taking cat naps with no care in the world.

When I see Bubblez, I wonder if it was curiosity, on her part, or human cruelty that caused the damage to her left paw.  I switched to Bubblez’s nature of enthusiasm.

We at Depaul House should not fail to be inspired by Bubblez.  Bubblez confused what someone said sometime ago, that there is none so blind as a person who has eyes but cannot see.  Let us open our eyes and seize the opportunities at Depaul House to move out of homelessness rather than to dwell on our temporary difficulties.  Bubblez is saying: Life goes on, the sun will shine again, the glass is half full, no matter the present condition.

Next time you come face to face with Bubblez be inspired and be grateful for her lessons she teaches us silently.  If you happen to visit Depaul ask for Bubblez.

Bubblez, the famous, one of a kind cat.

The Depaul House blog will function as a means of spreading hope, via the voices of current and former Depaul House residents.  Through sharing experiences, inspiration and thoughts, individuals may find comfort in the words of their peers and the knowledge that others have traversed similar paths.  Presenting this information will hopefully increase awareness of the realities of homelessness and the resilience of the human spirit.