On the Other Side of the Door

A recent Healing Havens guest shared how grateful he feels each time he walks into the warm, cozy lounge that has been his home for the past year — especially during the long, cold months.

He knows, more than most, that on the other side of that door — literally inches away — is the cold. And if he were out there, his life would be radically different.

On the other side of the door, there would be no award-winning children’s book illustrations being created.

No long, healing conversations with his host.

No time spent writing his book about the heartbreak of losing his family home at age fifteen — the event that sent his life spiraling into survival mode.

On the other side of the door, he’d be searching for a back alley to lay down in — anywhere but the shelters he’s learned to avoid, filled with bed bugs, chaos, and unpredictability.

On the other side of the door, there was loneliness.

There was the slow erosion of hope.

There were nights of drinking simply to knock himself out, only to be told by morning, “move on.”

It’s a strange world we live in — so many heated, empty spaces: churches, community centers, offices, homes — all locked and dark most of the time. Spaces that could be filled with life, laughter, and the warmth of human connection.

Perhaps you have space on your side of the door — or know someone who does.

When we truly open that door to another, something miraculous happens:

we both step into the light.

Because when you help another to heal, you inevitably heal yourself.