How Community Allowed Me To Breathe Once More

-Can you remember a time when someone lent you a hand, gave you a word, or shared a hopeful thought that shifted your situation? You were in a rough patch, and that moment or action turned it around?
Love is the most powerful and healing gift humans have been endowed with. In Acts 3:6 we see how Peter experienced, one more time, God's love for His people through him: " I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!” Peter felt so much compassion for this man, lame from birth, that out of a deep flowing love, God's power manifested through miraculous healing!
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I remember as if it was yesterday how, when Mom passed and created this big hole in my life, a bunch of friends extended a financial offering to help us with the funeral expenses; and how a dear close friend, by taking care of the Memorial program in her hands, lessened my overwhelm. Our family came from everywhere- California, Puerto Rico, and New York- to ease our sorrows and hug us through this time. Any separation, either from your loved ones (through death or disagreements), from your belongings, from your identity, can take a deep toll on anyone; but when the presence and warmth of community kicks in, people can breathe once more. I did. We did. God was with me, with us, through people. The Holy Spirit breathed on us, just like Jesus “breathed on them with the words 'Receive the Holy Spirit'." (Jn 20:22) (Big sigh!)

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 I am also familiar with homelessness for I have closely seen some of mine hopelessly struggle...

​Indeed, for a family close and dear to my heart, it was a job loss that threw them into a homeless situation, jumping from one family house to another, and sleeping in their car. Another of my family members temporarily stayed in his car after divorcing. With help, they did breathe, too. 
WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH YOUR SHARE OF LOVE? 
'Betsy' may go through domestic violence and have to escape empty-handed, with no other choice than to hit the streets unsheltered and survive. 'Leo' may develop complications during a surgery, draining all his savings and never be able to go back to work, using his car as a shelter.  More than ready to be healed and get back on their feet, I am confident in saying they have been praying for you, for a caring temporary 'push'.​

 You are part of this and God's community. When one of our own is hurting, when one of our own is in need,  community rallies around and for people. Being cohesive and showing up as a loving village to lift a life up is what we're called to.
Relief and transformation for that homeless battered woman or divorced is on the way. And, I pray is sooner than later!
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​​We've been called to be agents of change and transformation in a world in dire need of Jesus' manifestation through us! I say, let's use our love power!​ Through community, the Holy Spirit breathes pure emotional and spiritual oxygen!
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Thanks for partnering with those who are hurting and are without a home through The Phileo House.
Thanks Holy Spirit, for your work in us , so we can extend the oxygen to those who can't breathe without help.
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Maribel
Founder