You dear sweet soul –ask for help.

I bet you’re the kind of person who has helped countless folks over the years; now it’s their turn to help you. And believe me, if your friends and neighbours knew your situation, they’d want to help. In fact, they’d feel awful if you lost your home over one stupid payment.

I speak from experience. Through no fault of her own (sound familiar), a dear friend of mine was one payment away from eviction when I finally pried the truth from her. I got on the phone to all her friends and a few hours later we had that payment and one for the next month. It was enough to stabilize her situation. It was just a few bucks to each of us, but it made a world of difference to her. It’s what friends are for. It’s exactly what you would for a friend if you could.

I live in a rural community where nobody has much, but we share what we’ve got. When someone is in trouble we have a pie raffle or a variety show or just plain pass the hat. If somebody needed help and didn’t say so, we’d be insulted. I’m sure your neighbours would feel the same way.

Please talk to your pastor, reach out to your friends and relatives. I know you’re strong enough to ask for help.

Please also make sure that you are receiving all of the government benefits to which you are entitled. Things like food stamps were meant as a helping hand for deserving people like you.

How on earth could you be denied a disability pension? If you contact the closest University with a law school you may find that you can get a senior student to chase the pension folks and your nasty bank for free.

“Friendship makes prosperity more shining and lessens adversity by dividing and sharing it.” Cicero 44BC