Heart for People

I am often asked, "Have you always had a heart for our neighbors experiencing homelessness?" My answer is usually a laugh followed by an honest "no." 

And honestly, I don't have a heart for our neighbors experiencing homelessness. I have a heart for people. 

People are made in God's image and have unique passions and gifts that our community is poorer if they aren't using. 

People may have forgotten that they are loved and seen by the God who made them, and HOW ELSE will they know that unless we tell them and honor them as if that is true. 

I don't have a heart for our friends without homes, but I do have a heart for whoever is standing right before me, who may have forgotten or never been told that they are desperately loved and seen. 

I'm grateful to be a part of a larger Scottsdale community that shares that same heart. I'm grateful to join with others to celebrate a life that may have otherwise been forgotten. I tell his son that even in his death, he was a beloved member of our community. We celebrate with food, drinks, and decorations that honor his God-given dignity and demonstrate a community's love.