Do you hear them? Voices, that is...

It's a common sight to see people walking our streets, obviously engaged in a conversation that is taking place inside their heads.

How do you respond to the sight of the one who is engaged in a bitter battle with an unseen foe?

Do you ignore them, mock them, avoid them, pray for them...

Are you moved to tears?

Do you lose sleep as you wrestle with their plight and your desire to do something to help them?

Do you hear their voices? Do you hear the silent screams of those who walk the streets of our nation as they plunder through long days of sad realities that seem impossible to overcome?

 Do you care? Does it matter to you that people are suffering?

I am haunted by the faces of those who wander the streets of my city. I am approached daily by someone asking me if I have some spare change...

Many are disheveled, dressed in tattered clothing... Others reek of alcohol or are obviously under the influence of some sort of drug or chemical substance.

The common factor is the deep, deep sadness that I see in their eyes. Hopelessness is a monster that robs a human being of their ability to engage in the beauty of life; or to comprehend it's potential for joy and happiness.

I've been hearing voices for the past several days, and one in particular.

In his address to the Republican National Convention, John McCain stated that "he would extend his hand to anyone who would help him get this nation moving again."

 That's just the call to action that I've been waiting for.

I long to help bring change that reaches all the way down to those who are walking the streets of my city.... Especially the children.

When I reach out to share my change; my heart weeps because I would rather offer them a quiet room with a comfortable bed, a hot meal, and the opportunity to sit with them and develop a plan that will end their homelessness.

The day is coming when that is exactly what I will be able to do.

Voices can bring pain, and voices can bring change. I've endured the haunting voices of my past as they echoed through my memory banks... I've endured the old tapes that held me captive to my history for many, many years.

I have also experienced the freedom that comes once you speak back to those voices and forever silence their taunting accusations and shame.

The holidays will be here very soon, and the celebrations of Thanksgiving and Christmas will once again lay heavy on the hearts of those who have no place to call home.

 With each passing year, holiday festivities are losing their ability to sadden my heart and hold me captive to the pain of holidays past.

This year, I am prepared for the holidays to come... I know what it's like to be overcome by grief and sadness during the seasons of celebration that amplify one's aloneness.

I'm one of the voices that John McCain is looking for. I'm the voice of one who can offer insight into issues that are beyond the scope of his experience.

In his address, he spoke of "antiquated governmental systems, and why they are no longer accomplishing the purposes for which they were created."

I am thrilled to think that there is the potential for me to be the voice in his ear that could point him to real and viable solutions concerning the issues of homelessness and poverty alleviation.

Yes, I hear many voices rumbling in my head as I try to sleep. I hear the voices of candidates who assure me of their intent to bring much needed change to our government...

I hear the voices of men and women in my neighborhood asking for spare change...

As I continue to forge a new life for myself, I become more intent on becoming the voice of those who cannot speak for themselves.

The day is fast approaching when more and more people will be engaged in a conversation with a voice that is taking place inside their head...

And that voice will be mine.

 

 

 

I used to hear voices
They were crystal clear
They called me by my “names”

They knew my destinations, dreams and plans, thoughts and intentions
They knew the secrete feelings of my heart. That which my consciousness could not bear but tuck away, they proclaimed openly.

They challenged me about my beliefs, my relationships, my doubts.
They asked me to closely view my health and asked me if what I found said anything to me. And asked me if I thought I was normal.

you have a good conscience for even posting this