2025 December #2
By a Joy Junction Staff Member (JBF)
As people go through life, they usually gravitate to a certain type of personality or temperament in those they choose to call friends. Being “on the same page” with someone and able to relate on the same level with each other can generate an emotional bond.
Companionship with others provides a sense of belonging. It reduces the tendency to become depressed or lonely.
Friends are important. They offer emotional and mental support, in most cases. Being able to gather with those who choose to support each other during the hard times can be such an encouragement.
However, the opposite can be true for those who wind up connected to people who have a negative influence over them. They usually feel discouraged and possibly out of place – like not fitting in – because they know it’s wrong. But, they do not have the strength to leave the relationship.
Choosing the right person’s guidance or influence is vital, as some people can cause others to take sharp turns in the wrong direction.
We all have choices to make that are fundamental to the direction our life takes.
That’s what Bryce (not his real name) found out as a result of his relationship with those he chose to hang around.
Here’s his story:
I had a happy childhood, but when I became a teenager, I chose the wrong people to be friends with. Their influence over my life was strong, and I got hooked on drugs.
I tried getting clean off and on during my life by entering rehab places. But, I always went back to the same old habits. I just couldn’t seem to find the strength to stop completely. I went from job to job – from having money to being completely broke.
I meandered all over the place…
I meandered all over the place, in different states and countries, because I just couldn’t settle myself. The last country was Mexico, which is why I wound up finding myself in Albuquerque…without much money.
I had been in other shelters over the years, so when I hit rock bottom again, I decided to find another shelter. I heard about Joy Junction and decided to try it out.
I believe God sent me here [Joy Junction]. I joined the Christ in Power Program and the Bible study has helped me understand more about God – and myself. Spiritual things make more sense to me now. I can feel God working in my life…changing me to become a better person. I have hope now.
I’m so grateful to God for bringing me here!
Individuals who find themselves with us, or any other shelter, are the only ones who can make the decision to choose to turn their life’s circumstance around. No one can force that on them.
Choosing to get help is the first step toward becoming stable.
Our goal is to encourage them as they move forward through our programs, one step at a time. Then, before they know it, they have accomplished all the requirements and have been able to graduate…with a cap and gown ceremony!
It’s hard work, and frustrating at times, but the end result is well worth the effort it takes.
It’s our pleasure to help them. We are happy to provide comfort and peace of mind for them with a warm bed and three meals a day when they arrive on our doorstep. However, to provide all we do for each individual who stays with us, it takes a lot of manpower and funding throughout the year.
As we think about caring for each individual, we must prepare for the year ahead. We would like to end this year well, as most of our revenue is received during the last few months of the year. That’s what carries us through the first three-fourths of the next year.
Would you consider sending in a year-end gift to help us get through this next year?
We really could use your help.
If you’d like to send in a financial gift to partner with us, please use one of the following options:
- Send a check/money order to Joy Junction, PO Box 20550, Albuquerque, NM 87154
- Go to www.joyjunction.org and donate by credit card
- Call 505-217-9586 to donate by credit card
Thank You!
