/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/7ODSRUKECFACDDKB6PIM4A5VS4.jpg)
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – While many of us are spending the holidays with family and friends, some of our neighbors aren’t so lucky. For those who may feel lonely during this holiday, central Alabama nonprofits are opening their doors and reaching out.
Dozens of people who might normally feel lonely or isolated during the holidays have been able to share food and camaraderie with each other, even while going through truly difficult ordeals.
“The Christmas season is meant to be about spending time with family and spreading joy, experiencing happiness,” said Brother Bryan Mission resident Ki’Jung Thomas. “But especially these days, sometimes joy and happiness can be like an illusion and a lot of people are hurt, but they tend to mask it and hide it very well.”
The holiday season can bring up both positive feelings and negative feelings.
“A lot of men here haven’t been in contact with their families for a long time for obvious reasons and because of that you start to feel alienated,” said Brother Bryan Mission chaplain Troy Walker.
The big difference between making or breaking a vacation can be fellowship with other people. Walker says when you’re able to sit down for a meal and a conversation, it can restore some people’s dignity.
Many people at these tables on Sunday are facing and recovering from some of life’s toughest challenges, such as homelessness, abuse, addiction and domestic violence.
Brother Bryan Mission and Pathways Home for Women and Children are just two nonprofits the WBRC has visited among dozens in the area to bring hope to the hopeless this Christmas.
Raven Mallory, one of Pathways’ youngest residents, says the women have welcomed her as one of their own: “I call them mom!
“When one of us hurts, we all hurt,” said Pathways resident Melissa Burke. “So it means a lot to know that I have young and older women here who understand what I’m going through.”
“Being around my church family, I didn’t feel so alone and I felt worthy in a way,” Thomas said.
It’s part of what Christmas is.
“Enjoy your family,” Walker said. “Enjoy the turkey, but know that not everyone has it. Not everyone has that. And seeing people here with a smile brings back the Christmas spirit.
“Any hardship, any difficult time, any loss, it breaks our hearts,” Thomas said. “But the light that God gives us through the spirit in our heart can shine through those cracks.”
Brother Bryan Mission and Pathways Home for Women and Children work year-round to help those in need, not just at Christmas. If you feel inspired to give back to either organization, you can click on the donation links.
https://www.pathwayshome.org/how-you-can-help/donate.html
Receive news alerts in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store or subscribe to our email newsletter here.
Copyright 2022 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Comments are closed.