W.W.I.D. --- What Would I Do?

I've been thinking a lot about homelessness this week, worrying because we had temperatures at night near 0 degrees in this area. After reading a list of most dangerous cities for the homeless, I realized the homeless have to survive a lot more than the weather. As an example, we have seen horrific footage of people beating up a homeless man this past week. They are suspected of doing this to several homeless people and I believe one victim was killed. Thank Goddess it got national coverage, but will it get people talking? More importantly, will it motivate people in making the necessary changes to help the homeless live safely and with a roof over their heads?

I have no control over other people, only myself. I want to know what I can do what I can to help. A website by Rabbi Charles A. Kroloff's on 54 Ways to Help the Homeless is a great place to start. I hope I will start focusing in 2006 on contributing what I am able to. Rather than point fingers at other people who "should" be helping, I'll raise my hand and offer to do what I can. Instead of my typical all-talk-and-no-action approach to issues, I realize I can roll up my sleeves and get to work on making the world a better place.

What Would Jesus Do? That expression often helps me find answers, but ultimately Jesus needs me to pitch in. If I want to contribute to the solution, then I have to ask: What Would I Do?