Today, we want to share with you the inspirational work of CLUE's Faith-Rooted Organizer, Pastor Cue JnMarie. 

Every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, Pastor Cue and other grassroots organizers provide food and masks for some of our most vulnerable, unhoused neighbors in Downtown Los Angeles. 

Though Governor Newsom has opened 15,000 hotel rooms to shelter the homeless during COVID19, only three percent of the state's 150,000 unhoused people have been moved to hotel rooms.

Last week, Pastor Cue was interviewed in The Final Call about this crisis, noting that the infrastructure is just not in place to move tens of thousands of unhoused Californian's into hotels. He also stated that, "It is partly the prayers of the community and the grassroots effort to work and try to keep people clean that we haven’t had more cases in Skid Row. I really believe that.” 

In times of great crisis, it is acts of abundant love that will see us through. Thank you for walking on this journey with us.

If you want to watch a video of Pastor Cue fulfilling God's work, check it out on his Facebook.

We are, like many of you, scared for the safety of our most vulnerable neighbors and the future of the economy. With the stay-at-home order extended in California through May 15th, it may feel harder to stay focused and grounded.

Uncertainty is a part of everyday life, even when we are not in the midst of a global pandemic. But today, we are much more conscious of this truth, and for many, it feels uncomfortable and frightening. 

We are also experiencing a collective grieving - for what was and what could have been and what may be.

As grief expert David Kessler wrote in his book, The Sixth Stage of Grief, "You don't have to experience grief, but you can only avoid it by avoiding love. Love and grief are inextricably intertwined."

Listen to his interview with Brené Brown on her podcast, "Unlocking Us."

I invite you to read below a poem from Sufi Poet Rumi that reminds us to welcome even our most uncomfortable emotions. 

The Guest House

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice.
meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.
Be grateful for whatever comes.
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

— Jellaludin Rumi

As many of our faith communities prepare for Passover and Holy Week, we want to share with you a video of hope that was created by 250 filmmakers from across the world.

This poem was first written by an Irish Franciscan Priest on March 13th, 2020, and its message reverberated across the globe. May this #ChooseHopeStory brings you peace and help ground you in our shared humanity.