Facing financial struggles can be a strain. I can certainly say that I’ve been on this end of hard times. When your money is looking funny or you find yourself short on a bill or two, that’s a different type of stress. The reality is, we don’t know what people are going through. As we approach the Thanksgiving and Christmas season, let’s think of ways we can help others. For example, each year I ask my son to draw a name for a boy his age. We first, purchase the item(s) on the list. Then, I ask my son to pick out a toy he would like for himself. The item he picks out for himself is then donated as a bonus gift to the child. I do this so my son understands that although it is nice to receive gifts, it’s even better to GIVE. I teach him that all of his needs and some of his wants are met, but there is a child his age that’s struggling to have basic needs in his home like food, running water, or even proper clothing. Sometimes we get so caught up in our own problems that we forget that others are dealing with far more difficult circumstances.
I pray that you will decide to put your love on display by taking the time to create a plan for how you will give this year.
Some ideas for giving are:
- Donating food to your local food bank
- Volunteering your time at a local soup kitchen or nonprofit organization
- Donate toiletries, blankets, jackets, socks or shoes to an organization who will distribute items to those in need
- Pick a name or two from an angel tree
- Adopt or sponsor a family
- Visit a nursing home but call ahead to schedule your visit. Take cards, small gifts and spend some quality time with the residents.
- Invite a family, a widow/widower or elderly neighbor over for a home cooked meal.
These are just a few suggestions of things you can do as an individual or with a group. Do what God places on your heart. Be the change and meet the needs of others.
Deuteronomy 15:7-8 “If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them. Rather, be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need.” The 11th verse goes on to say, “There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore, I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land.”
Written by Sister Sylvia Caldwell
