3 min read
Longing for Community
Every year, the holiday season seems to start earlier—decorations go up and purchases are made in preparation for Christmas long before December....
"If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing."
-1 Corinthians 13:1, 2
Having someone to love. We take it for granted.
We have a gal at the Crisis Shelter....maybe in her late 30's. She is mentally disabled, a little slow, and she's one of those people who have fallen through our society's cracks. We've known her for several years, and she has been asked to leave before because she often goes to a place of extreme anger and frustration where her language gets very vulgar, loud and unacceptable.
This time in, there's a beautiful difference. Someone, possibly a mental health counselor, has given her a baby doll to take care of. She believes this baby is real, and she takes very good care of it - shows it off, asks us for fresh diapers, clothes it. To her, this is a real baby that is her responsibility.
She is now peaceful, content, calm, and she is giving her love to this "baby" and that matters to her.
Love is a beautiful thing.
-Anne Simmons, House Manager, Crisis Shelter for Women and Children
Love is powerful, and it impacts lives. Send someone a reminder that they are loved.
5 min read
Holiday Ways To Give
The holiday season is a time for giving, and what better way to spread some cheer than by helping those in need? Homeless and low-income individuals...
5 min read
Gratitude in Recovery
One of UGM’s core values is Thankfulness, and this month we reflect on the pursuit of gratitude in our day-to-day lives and in the work of healing...
Three of God's Children
Union Gospel Mission : October 1, 2012
CHRIS family breakdown, substance abuse Chris’ mom went to prison when he was three for selling cocaine. His dad hung himself when Chris was eight....
UGM Camp: a Girl Named Mina
Union Gospel Mission : July 22, 2015
By Clare Pursch, UGM Camp Photographer/Blogger Mina. Mina is the name of the little girl that came into my life this last week at UGM Camp and left a...
Take Action - Calling all Kids!
Union Gospel Mission : February 1, 2013
We’re hoping you’ll help to make someone’s day. Pull out the construction paper, scissors and glitter and create a Valentine for a man, woman or...