"I long, as does every human being, to be at home wherever I find myself."
Maya Angelou
Is home a physical place ~ a familiar spot where you are surrounded by things you love and can slouch around in your P. J.'s till noon......or is it more a feeling.....like knowing where to feel safe and cared for in this unpredictable world of ours?
I have paraphrased the above from the book I am currently reading....LOST GIRLS. This phrase really hit home in light of the recent events that are happening in our country. Not just the hurricane Irene that is pummeling the East coast....but on all the homes that have been lost in this recent financial crisis.
I have tried to envision myself without a home....have you ever done this? Actually....it is a very DISTURBING thought! I know a sweet woman who has sold her home and recently relocated....she is currently renting her spot....she no longer has a place to call her own. Actually, she is managing gracefully....while coping with other losses as well...she is quite amazing.
I really don't know how I would handle it....if my home were suddenly snatched from me through a natural disaster or financial struggles. I pray that I would be as brave as my dear friend and realize that your true home is not in this life as we are all spiritual beings and in the end you can't take ANY of the STUFF with you. (O:
Any thoughts on this dear friends?
Hugs,
Jo
I think about losing my home often. Not that I am in any danger of that, but it never hurts to think about it and make plans to ensure you've done what you can to keep that from happening.
ReplyDeleteI myself must have a permanent place to call my own.
When I was young our family moved from place to place and never owned a house. The houses we lived in felt homey while I was there but I knew we'd move again. I am getting so if I have my favorite possessions near and my family and pets, I feel alright. I would not, however, ever want to not own a home. It's scary to me now.
ReplyDeleteHome is so dear, a safe place to relax and regroup. I am praying for the people affected by the flood waters and wind of Hurricane Irene, especially the people in Vermont.
ReplyDeleteI could never imagine loosing my home, what a terrible thought. I love our home in France so much. Diane
ReplyDeleteI often find myself wondering similar thoughts. With me not having a job and my husband being the only income to pay for our home; I wonder what I would do if something were to happen to him. I would not be able to pay for the home we live in and would suddenly find myself homeless. It is a scary thought and one I try not to think about. I admire those who can bounce back from such disasters. I only hope I will be as graceful if I'm faced with it.~Hugs, M
ReplyDeleteI try not to think about such things... it is a scary thought. I feel for those who have no home. I used to lay in bed at night and feel guilty that I had a warm place to sleep while many did not.
ReplyDeleteI don't own my own home, but I am going through some concern now about my apartment. Wondering if the house is going to be sold and I will have to look elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteMary
When life drops troubles in our lap like stones, we learn quickly to line our flower beds with stones.
ReplyDeleteMy belief system is a foundation I stand on, even when I may be quaking in my boots. A good support system of family or friends helps us along.
Ultimately each of us face our own demons.
If we have our life, we have the best gift.
Thank you for sharing. Good post.
For me home is my grounding place, and a place where i create. I feel anguish for the people and families who have lost their homes, and i worry alot that my house isn't paid for as i get older.
ReplyDeleteCindy
When I was young Dad was in the army so we were transferred around a lot. Then when I got married my husband worked for a branch of the Canadian government and we transferred around a lot more. When I was a child 'home' was wherever Mum and Dad were. Now 'home' is where my husband is. Our possessions have changed greatly over the years and I don't miss any I left behind. As long as there's love, I'll have a home, whether owned, rented or borrowed. We're fortunate to own a house that our children and grandchildren can call home.
ReplyDeleteHome sweet home. We have owned 4 homes in our 34 years together. The one we live in now is my favourite but I am not attached to it. It's not the building that makes the home but the people in it.
ReplyDeleteI learned when I moved with my husband and children that 'Home is Where the Heart Is' really is true. Sort of like my soul is in a temporary home in my body...the house I live in is my temporary home as long as I have loved ones near...
ReplyDeleteHugs~
Hello Jo... I truly believe home is where your heart is, no matter where that may be... beautiful post, xoxo Julie Marie
ReplyDeleteAlthough I would like to say that I am enlightened enough to be at home wherever I am, the truth is I love my physical home. I am so happy here and connected to this little structure that I can't imagine living anywhere else or calling anywhere else home.
ReplyDeleteThat is a very disturbing thought. I almost don't want to let my imagination run...know what I mean?
ReplyDeleteWhat a thought provoking post Jo! I have at times wondered what it would be like to be homeless, to be up rooted and not have a place to lay my head. Certainly circumstances dictate a lot of what happens to us in our lives but our spirit and our determination make up the other part. I hope that I would find my way and do whatever was necessary to have a roof over my head and do it with grace.
ReplyDeleteThis is a really interesting topic. Personally, I have in my life lived in 43 homes - many of them rentals. I take the things I love - my fabrics, art, books, plants etc - with me and my family and can make anywhere feel like "home" now. For me, it is a feeling that I can evoke in a space, and I can make amost anwhere feel good for myself and family. I have been blessed that this situation has been by choice rather than unfortunate circumstances, and I always love the feeling of packing up and moving to another "beginning"!
ReplyDeleteMy home is wherever my loved ones are. Material things are replaceable, other than those that we keep from the heart like our children's drawings, photos, scrapbooks. I would hate to lose my current home and belongings and at first I'm sure I would be devastated but I (hope) I would come to terms that it is only temporary.
ReplyDelete