2026 March #2
By a Joy Junction Staff Member (JBF)
There are times when each of us think only of ourselves. It may be often, or it may be rare, but we all have those moments.
Selfishness is an innate thing. We are born with it. Many of us learn how to curb that tendency, but some never do.
For those who don’t choose to put others first, they most likely will find that it’s during those continual, “habitual” times of selfishness that the hard situations begin to arise…causing personal and social problems. A sense of entitlement sets in and those around the selfish person begin to feel unimportant and, maybe, used.
The consequences could be any number of things, like destroyed relationships, ruined reputations, poor health issues, lost jobs, and sometimes, an addiction to something unhealthy.
Sooner or later, though, the person usually begins to feel the effects of not being welcome around other people. Not only does that cause loneliness, it could very well keep them from being able to find employment or pay their bills…or have anyone to turn to for help. Then, what?
It’s a hard place to be in. It’s at those times when people like Pedro (not his real name), one of our guests, come to the conclusion that something has to change.
Here’s his story:
My addiction to drugs and serving myself caused me to lose everything. I wanted to do whatever I wanted to, whenever I wanted to. I did not think of others at all. It was all about ME.
I had a job, but I didn’t have much of anything else because I didn’t care about anything except getting high and being with women.
Then, the day came when I spent every last penny of my recently earned paycheck. I had no way to pay my weekly rent, so I wound up staying in a tent for three days. THAT is what finally opened my eyes. I was sober enough by then to ask myself, “Why am I choosing to live like this?”
I found a way here [Joy Junction] because I had heard that they have a program that helps people get their lives turned around. I joined the program and I feel it is helping me get my life back…my real life.
I feel a sense of hope now.
I haven’t felt hope in a very long time. I have a relationship with God and I believe THAT is what is keeping me away from drugs. I finally feel alive.
Now that I am clean, I can think well and function well. I’m so thankful for the chance at a new beginning.
A fresh new start is something we offer to every person who enters our shelter. It is our desire to encourage them as much as possible so they will choose the path that will allow them to transform from a homeless existence to a healthy, new life. Yes, a new life is possible, but it does take time.
Homelessness is tough. Some people without stable housing feel so alone. But, they aren’t alone.
Have you ever thought about the fact that Jesus understands homelessness? He grew up with parents and siblings in a house until He was about 30 years old. But, when it came time for Him to begin His ministry that led to His death, burial, and resurrection, He left the comfort of His home and set out on foot. He traveled the countryside with His disciples, going from town to town to preach the Good News of salvation.
He did stay in the homes of some friends from time to time, but He did not have a place to call His own. He was homeless. In the Biblical book of Matthew, Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.” (Matt. 8:20 NIV)
For those who have lost so much in this world, it’s encouraging to know that Jesus completely understands what it is like to be without the “comforts of home.” He lived it. But, as He walked this earth without a place to lay His head, He was always caring for those who were in need – and He is still doing that today.
The Spirit of Christ Jesus is always with us. We are never alone. He is the strength we need to move forward. He is the courage we need to take the next step. He is the peace we can feel in hard situations. He loves us, and He wants the best for each of us.
As we move into this Easter holiday season, which offers a new beginning to everyone who surrenders their life to Christ, we’d like to thank our donors for supporting our efforts to help our guests start the process of a new start.
