yesterday

Yesterday, at the pregnancy center, we were extremely busy with client issues. I had dozens of phone calls. People seemed to be coming at me from all directions! I met with a client who is 9 months pregnant. (After we finished our meeting, she went to the hospital because she was having contractions!) Her story was gut-wrenching. Her partner, her two children and she are living in their car because, a week ago, their neighbors threatened them, both physically and verbally. My client and her family are black. The neighbors are white. She and her family have lived in the apartment for 2 years; the neighbors had moved in just recently. When they were trying to get in their car, the neighbors tried to force her partner out of the car and pushed her to get to him, shouting terrible things to them. (Their children, both toddlers, were in the car, observing it all.) The landlord refused to stick up for them. They went to the police.

This couple seem very gentle in spirit. I doubt they started the altercation. They are victims. They'd come to me for financial support to get into a new, safe apartment. I told them I would do everything I could to help them. I haven't gotten it totally worked out yet but I will. This is unacceptable!

What makes people think they can use force to intimidate others? Why would they do it in the first place? There is so much violence in this world. I see it, up close, all the time, with my clients. Usually it's domestic abuse and the clients are fleeing from it.

Dear Lord, please watch over these precious children. Help them to be safe and help them not to have bitterness toward their abusers. Reach the hearts of those who can help them financially so that they will be able to live in a place that is free from harm's way. Give me the courage to advocate for them. Have mercy on us all. Amen