Day 2
As part of our new revelation about the importance of relationships we began taking a deeper look at how rich long lasting friendships are formed. These are the elements which solidify relationships: dependency for survival (shared goals and interest), an adversary, being the underdog (counted out before even taking the field), overcoming (completing a difficult task). We visited a homeless camp yesterday and discovered each of these elements at work.
When compared to other cities in Florida like Miami, Tampa, or Jacksonville, Tallahassee seems very small. However, it has the distinction of being Florida’s Capital, the home of FSU and FAMU, and the largest city in North Florida and South Georgia within a 120 mile radius. Because of these attributes, Tallahassee provides a greater number of homeless services than most cities and a greater percentage of the total population is homeless.
Tallahassee is surrounded by the Apalachicola National Forest. Many people choose to fend for themselves outside the shelter system by camping in the wooded areas within the city limits or in the outlying forest. The relationships found within these camps are often richer than the relationships found at the emergency shelter or in our community at large.
We are not suggesting you adopt this lifestyle. However, if we are open to learning, there are many things the group we visited yesterday can teach us. Life in camp is difficult. Spring in Tallahassee is short. Yesterday’s temperature was in the 90s. It is humid and the gulf breezes which are found in other parts of Florida never quite make it this far. The forest, ponds, and spring fed rivers provide fresh air and clean water but also harbor mosquitoes, chiggers, biting flies, and ticks. Camps are often raided by thieves and law enforcement. Many in Tallahassee show greater concern for a lost puppy than a homeless veteran. Still considering the homeless life?
As the foundation of Connections is laid we will implement the lessons we learn from the homeless camps to grow a strong fellowship. The elements needed promote deep relationships are all present. We are in a battle for survival. We have an adversary. We feel outnumbered. We must overcome. The victory is ours.
The Bible is rife with examples of deep meaningful relationships. God desires for us to have a rich friendship with him and those around us. The battles we face together will strengthen our bond. Read the following passage and then consider how your relationships were formed. Do you have strong relationships today? Perhaps you need to gather a band of brothers and sisters and find adventure.
As part of our new revelation about the importance of relationships we began taking a deeper look at how rich long lasting friendships are formed. These are the elements which solidify relationships: dependency for survival (shared goals and interest), an adversary, being the underdog (counted out before even taking the field), overcoming (completing a difficult task). We visited a homeless camp yesterday and discovered each of these elements at work.
When compared to other cities in Florida like Miami, Tampa, or Jacksonville, Tallahassee seems very small. However, it has the distinction of being Florida’s Capital, the home of FSU and FAMU, and the largest city in North Florida and South Georgia within a 120 mile radius. Because of these attributes, Tallahassee provides a greater number of homeless services than most cities and a greater percentage of the total population is homeless.
Tallahassee is surrounded by the Apalachicola National Forest. Many people choose to fend for themselves outside the shelter system by camping in the wooded areas within the city limits or in the outlying forest. The relationships found within these camps are often richer than the relationships found at the emergency shelter or in our community at large.
We are not suggesting you adopt this lifestyle. However, if we are open to learning, there are many things the group we visited yesterday can teach us. Life in camp is difficult. Spring in Tallahassee is short. Yesterday’s temperature was in the 90s. It is humid and the gulf breezes which are found in other parts of Florida never quite make it this far. The forest, ponds, and spring fed rivers provide fresh air and clean water but also harbor mosquitoes, chiggers, biting flies, and ticks. Camps are often raided by thieves and law enforcement. Many in Tallahassee show greater concern for a lost puppy than a homeless veteran. Still considering the homeless life?
As the foundation of Connections is laid we will implement the lessons we learn from the homeless camps to grow a strong fellowship. The elements needed promote deep relationships are all present. We are in a battle for survival. We have an adversary. We feel outnumbered. We must overcome. The victory is ours.
The Bible is rife with examples of deep meaningful relationships. God desires for us to have a rich friendship with him and those around us. The battles we face together will strengthen our bond. Read the following passage and then consider how your relationships were formed. Do you have strong relationships today? Perhaps you need to gather a band of brothers and sisters and find adventure.
14 Therefore he sent horses and chariots and a great army there, and they came by night and surrounded the city. 15 And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?”
16 So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17 And Elisha prayed, and said, “LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 18 So when the Syrians came down to him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, and said, “Strike this people, I pray, with blindness.” And He struck them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.
(2 Kings 6:14-18, New King James Version)
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