Miley Cyrus Shocks Again

Yes, that's right. At last night's MTV Video Music Awards, Miley Cyrus, the one-time Disney character, Hanna Montana, completely shocked the VMA-watching world. Readers of the Shiloh Insider may or may not be aware that Cyrus ignited controversy at last year's VMA's by twerking all over the Blurred Lines singer, Robin Thicke. Her antics earned her wide attention and a mess of media buzz.

This year's VMA's were different, however. While Cyrus was once again at the center of attention, though she did not perform or act in any way inappropriately, she rocked the awards with a much different display. When Cyrus was awarded the Moonman for video of the year, she allowed that the acceptance speech be made by her date for the night, a previously homeless young man named "Jesse."

Jesse claimed to have lived in many of the local homeless shelters, including "My Friend's Place," where he apparently encountered Cyrus. His speech was brief and eloquent. Among other poignant comments, Jesse said, "I have been an extra in your movies. I have been an extra in your life." Jesse hoped to use the forum to raise funds for "My Friend's Place" and to raise awareness of this country's huge homeless population. He said that information for contributions to fight homelessness could be found on Miley Cyrus' website.

The events of last night's VMA's, and especially the gift that was provided by Miley Cyrus, serves to remind the privileged segments of the population that homelessness is a definite problem in the United States and, if we are to put an end to the embarrassing realization, then we have got to open our hearts, our minds and our ckeckbooks.

This country has proven what a grass roots financial movement looks like with the recent ALS ice water challenge. As of yesterday, ALS had raised more than 70 million dollars, most with $10 or $100 contributions. The ice water challenge has become a social media splash (pun intended) and it is hard to imagine many Americans who have been untouched by the movement.

If we can raise more than $70 million for ALS - which I believe is a very good attempt at stemming the tide of a terrible disease - then I firmly believe that we could do the same in response to Jesse's plea. We can greatly reduce, or perhaps even put an end to, homelessness in America.

Thank you, Jesse. And thank you, Miley Cyrus, for putting the challenge before the American public. Their presence at the VMA's, and their message, gives content to the United Church of Christ motto: No matter who you are or where you have been on life's journey... We can do miracles. We can change the world. We can be the kingdom.