1 If I knew that Wilson Mansions was to be visited by a heavily pregnant woman and her Man called Joseph. If I knew it was to be the birth of Jesus here at Wilson Mansions.
What would I do?
First thing - we would vacate our bed and bedroom. Just like when Joan and me went to stay at Noble Mansions, Big John and Julie had their own bed available for us as they roughed it. So we would make the room ready, ensure we had plenty food in. Buy a turkey and cook a great meal.
For a birth at home I would ensure that Mary and Joseph had the best medical attention available - even at Christmas. I would post on Facebook to everyone about the expected child. I would build up a daily blog with feelings and thoughts about how we were coping emotionally and the possible scenarios spiritually.
I would be prepared to be overwhelmed by the birth of Jesus here.
They could stay as long as they wanted - if I could stand the brightness of the light .........
2 If I knew that Wilson Mansions was to receive a knock on the door by a couple.
A stranger, a woman pregnant! and a strange man.
What would I do?
I have spent 39 years living and working in residence - in residential workplaces. YMCA's, Hostels, Government institution, Family Centres and more. We have brought our Sheilas up in such environments. We have coped - and been battered too.
If such a couple turned up at our doorway I would not let them in.
I would take them to the local YMCA. If that was unsuccessful - to the local authority. I would stay in the car with them as long as needed to find them a place.
I would not let them in because of experiences. (I don't feel good about this). In my life I have had persons knocking on my front door with deep depression and I have turned them away. Our needs were screaming - so I could not take more. I have turned away from persons who had suicidal feelings. I am aware that, in certain circumstances, it would not be right to get personally involved. Put myself in places in which I cannot retreat from.
One of my working principles is::
'I am responsible to people but not for people'.
I feel bad about the number 2 paragraph here. But I am being honest.
Maybe the Landlord of the Bethlehem Hotel was not such a bad guy as painted.
He just had no room. Maybe no more emotional space. Maybe at his limit - or his wife was - or family were screaming?
I am doing this to raise my awareness at this glitter-full distracting time.
I want to feel uncomfortable and wrestle with reality.
I know humans who have no place to stay.
I feel sick .................
