By Milton Billingsly Santa Monica
We always take chances when we try to solve problems without forming a committee, a team, a coalition, or a partnership. As the old saying goes, “There is safety in numbers.” OK?
OK. Then why is the homeless problem in Santa Monica, after decades, getting worse? Why has it not been solved, or at least minimized? Easy, we’ve been forming the wrong people groups to make decisions. People whose bread is buttered by their friends, bosses and neighbors. Men and women who strive to do more in money, prestige and networking than they do caring or loving.
Please don’t misunderstand me, I’m not trying to belittle those in charge, they were most likely raised in this manner. What I am trying to do is awaken a spirit we all have inside — a spirit that the great spirit shares with all humans — rich, poor, man, woman, moral, immoral, successful, or homeless.
The Apostle Paul said it best in I Corinthians 13:13: “We must always retain our faith, hope and love.” The Beatles put it on the map, one word to solve the homeless problem, in fact, all problems: “All you need is love.”
If you have love for all mankind, then you would never, never pass by an elderly woman lying in an alley without caring or helping. I’m not talking money or food, but at least acknowledging her, and maybe calling the police to see if they can suggest a solution.
I know this will take a few minutes out of an already hectic day, but the reward gained now and in the future, will bring a light to your spirit, a change in your heart, and before you know it, your piggybank will be overflowing with good deeds and love.
This will make God smile, and what better partner to have to help us solve all the problems in Santa Monica?
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 4, 2005. Read the original PDF.