Los Angeles Mission's Blog

Thanks to talk radio I finally remembered to take my turkey out of the freezer in time for Thanksgiving! It takes days to really get the job done right. Already the Mission kitchen is preparing a ton (yes 2000 lbs) of turkey. They have entered the controlled chaos phase of the holiday meal plans.

While we are all getting ready for our abundant tables, family, friends and endless football games, I wonder what those outside the mission gates must be feeling at this time. No planes to catch or places to go except the Mission. What hardening of hearts do they need at this time of year to avoid another day of hurting and pain?

The term holiday blues takes on new meaning when the mild seasonal depression it described also can be seen in bruises around drug needle marks or from the backhand of a pimp. How much pain does it take to freeze a human heart?

More importantly, how much love does it take to unthaw a human heart? See, I believe the love of God can and will heal us. But, God does not choose to do it alone. God uses us to be his hands, feet and heart. So, next time you defrost a turkey, how about saying a prayer for someone whose heart needs to be thawed. Better yet, come volunteer at the Mission and give one of our guests a hug to let them know you care.

It begins with a meal but ends with the restoration of a friend.

--Herb Smith, President