What is Your FOCUS?

Having a background in Graphic Design and Sales causes me to think differently than others who do not have a perspecive on what catches the eye and what sells.

Working previously for news media, I look for catchy words like, spellbound, bump in the night, spooky encounters and the like at this time of year--the FOCUS being on Halloween and harvest. We have to have our pumpkins, scarecrows and other money-raking items like costumes and candy. Like all our ever changing seasons we have something for each one.

There are storms coming up all around us, and although they are not winter storms, they gain our attention none the less. Weather is something we focus on daily and, a subject that we can share anywhere and anytime with anyone.

My husband and I just returned from our Maine get-away, which we endeavor to do several times a year. I love being at the ocean, and we hit all the towns and our favorite spots. While in Kennebunkport, I noticed someone planting mums in front of her store, as we all know, a beautiful atmosphere usually lore's people in, and aren't we all about raising sales quotas?

It keeps our focus where it should be on shopping, and dining. Focus also means to "zero in" becoming unaware of anything else, but our immediate surroundings.

Last Saturday, St. Columba of Iona Orthodox Monastery, featured a guest speaker, Fr. Justin Matthews of FOCUS North America, with a presentation entitled, "Restoring Living Icons."
I have since had many days to reflect on this Christian Social Action Ministry, and want to share some of my thoughts, as we broaden our view, focusing on the needy around us.

The storms that the needy weather are encountered daily, through each and every season, while life continues for some "unaffected,"by those who are "unaware" of their plight. The fact is, we in America, are hungry. Some are hungry for food, shelter, and work. Other's need your friendship, direction, someone to care for them. What do you choose to see? Are you aware of "the needy" amongst us? A once-a-month feeding program is a good start, and if everyone did their share, it just may help someone who is desperately in need of food. I know some who fall short on the fifth week of the month, stretching the funds as far as they will go. Many questions arise as to are we really getting to those who have no transportation, or are unable to get to a feeding establishment? How do we help them? How do we get the word out to many who have not yet found us? Maybe they are shut-in and alone in this world.

What's spooky is that we do not have the answers. Where do those that grow cold in the night hide? Why have they become invisible to us? What keeps them from the help they need?

On the way back from Kennebunk, ME and the famous monastery, we saw a man on the side of the road holding in his hands a sign that read "I will work for food." He was leaning on a bicycle and was ragged. How many passed by this man and didn't stop, or, didn't even see him? We went down the road turned around and pulled up behind him. I told him I had no work for him but could he use some money? He weakly said yes, I told him I would pray for him as I handed him some cash. I noticed his eyes were cloudy, like one having cataracts, and he appeared ungroomed and very sad.

How many will we have to see before we understand that there is poverty in this country? This elderly man should be dear to someone, have a place to be clean and warm, and a meal that he doesn't have to beg for.

I saw many wonderful things these past few days, but he struck a place in my heart, and we wondered what will become of him? Can he even hold a job? FOCUS North America is helping people like him everyday. Please give them your support. Learn how you can make a difference in someone's life.

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