2025 September #2
By a Joy Junction Staff Member (JBF)
As we all know, life is not always filled with positive scenarios. We all have our ups and downs. Sometimes, we have to experience the negative in order to recognize the normal, “mundane” things in our life as positive.
None of those negative situations are fun. However, they really are growing experiences, most of the time, even though they are hard. Choosing to learn from the negative can cause those type of situations to occur less often.
Sometimes, a person can begin to understand themselves better after such an experience. Looking back over all that happened, examining each part, can move a person toward a positive future…by not choosing that particular route or option again.
Learning and growing are a constant part of life. We gain wisdom. We become better equipped to handle the next circumstance that arises. We become better forms of ourselves.
One of our guests, Kristine (not her real name), is hoping for just that result.
Here’s her story:
I was raised by my grandparents because my parents divorced when I was young. I was taught morals and was told about God, but their religion didn’t make sense to me. At 18, I left to find my own way in life.
I moved out of state to live with my mom, who had been an addict during my entire life. She had become sober and remarried, so I thought my life was finally getting turned around. I could have a real family.
Sadly, it wasn’t long before she relapsed. She stole my medication and began taking drugs again. She left her husband, but I stayed there for a little while longer. Then, I moved to another state, hoping for a new start in life. I got married, and then after years of abuse, I got divorced.
I moved to a different state, and, after a while, I got married again. I had three beautiful babies and would have loved staying married, but he followed witchcraft and wanted me to do the same. I just couldn’t. Deep down, I had a hunger for God. So, he abused me. Eventually, he left, so I was alone with my kids.
My grandma paid for the trip to get back to Albuquerque. Then, through an unfortunate circumstance, my kids were taken from me. I was so sad and depressed, I turned to drugs, thinking it would be a one-time thing to help me feel better on that particular day. But, I wound up getting addicted. I did not feel good about myself.
I knew I needed help….
A friend helped me get a divorce. Then, I was told about Joy Junction, so I called, and they sent a van out to get me. After some time, the staff said I could join their program if I wanted to. I did, and it has helped me a lot.
I am so thankful for the chance to make my life better! I hope to get my kids back some day.
We know none of us have to be grateful FOR the situations we are in, but we CAN choose to be thankful IN our situation. It’s a mindset.
We want to offer those who are homeless and come to us for assistance a choice to feel thankful. We do have programs to help turn their lives around and we do have daily safety and sustenance for them.
Recalling the blessings in our lives is usually what this time of year generates. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, many of us are choosing to remark on being thankful for a multitude of things.
But, others, in a desperate situation, are struggling to survive. It’s hard for them to feel thankful for anything, not to mention their current situation.
We are hopeful that our guests will be able to feel the encouragement our staff and programs offer, to move past their current situation.
We want to encourage those who have fallen into a homeless situation to be able to feel thankful AS they are working toward turning their lives around.
We truly do care, and we want to help.
One way we help is by celebrating Thanksgiving with them. Each year, we offer a meal of turkey, with all the trimmings, along with pie and coffee for our annual citywide holiday feast event. This feast is available for anyone who is homeless, hungry, or does not have the means to cook a special meal.
Our goal is to give encouragement to the multitude of people who show up to partake of the meal. When they see that we have a heart to serve, we hope it reassures them that we want them to feel important.
They matter.
They are not forgotten.
It’s our desire to help each person feel “seen,” whether they are homeless or not. A positive outcome really can become a reality for each person.
