Dear Adrien ~ I once had fears of those living on the streets. Growing up in San Jose, as a child, I was exposed to some pretty horrific things; thus I lived in fear. As I matured, I learned my fears came from lack of understanding. I worked for the phone company as an operator for a short period of time. One phone call will always stand out in my mind, because it was life changing for me, and my thoughts and fears toward the homeless. When I answered the call, a man was crying for help. He was having a flashback from the Viet Nam war. No matter what I said, I could not bring him out of it. I tried connecting him with emergency services...he did not want that..He just kept asking me to save the children! After 20 minutes of trying to help him, he simply hung up in the middle of this attack on his mind. I developed an understanding of those living on the streets, from a mental health perspective. Now, years later, I work for a ministry which serves the homeless population and "the least of these". I have heard many stories and met many people who've lived on the streets for various reasons. The most important thing I've learned is to have compassion for those who are suffering due to trauma in their lives. No matter what it is...war, death, abuse, rejection, addiction, or illness. All need love. Love comes in so many forms, Adrien. As a mother, I am trying to teach my daughter not to have fear of "hobos", as she calls them. She is learning how trauma can send a person into a state of mind which can be eternal torment, without the love of God in their lives. One man lost his wife to cancer and then lost his daughter in a car accident two months later. This man has lived on the streets for 20 years, without hope. God will not let him die, and that is all he wants. We keep encouraging him and sharing God's love with him. Nobody should live with hopelessness and despair. Addiction is also caused by hopelessness in many cases my dear friend. When I was searching for a post to read this morning, the title of your blog led me to believe you would have an awesome testimony to share. When, actually, it is an opportunity to share one of my testimonies with you! It is ironic that our new president sent out a message of Hope. That is all everyone needs. Without Christ, there is no hope. God bless you and may he reveal His love through you as you pass the "least of these" on the streets.