Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: DELICIOUS (02/04/16)
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TITLE: A Song in My Heart | Previous Challenge Entry
By Laine Kammeraad
02/11/16 -
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About a year ago my husband and I were coming back from a trip and needed fuel. As we exited the freeway I saw a man ahead of us who looked homeless. When we reached the stop sign I saw how dirty and disheveled he was. My heart broke and I fought back my tears. I commented to my husband how wonderful it would be to get that man something to eat. We bought him a sandwich and some bottles of water. When I handed him the bag he smiled and said thank you. I could tell by the twinkle in his eyes he was ready to enjoy a delicious meal.
Many years earlier I was moving and knew I would have to leave most of my belongings behind. I could have sold my stuff but really wanted to help others. I wondered if there was a way I could help battered women. I prayed and asked God for help. A few days passed and I still didn’t know what to do. The next day I remembered a friend had received help from an organization that helps abused women rebuild their lives. I called her and she gave me the phone number of the shelter. I called immediately. I was thrilled to discover they would have a truck ready to pick up whatever I wanted to donate the next day. But even more thrilling was how these women and children would be helped.
I was told the women live in a confidential shelter for a year which enables them to get the help they need. After a year they move into a transitional home which only has a stove and a refrigerator. They still need help rebuilding their lives and this is where these donations make a difference. Each time a load of home furnishings and goods are picked up it is delivered to the confidential shelters warehouse. This warehouse is set up like a showroom with different sections for the living room, kitchen, bedrooms and bathroom items. It has everything they need to set up their new home free of charge. My heart was soaring because I know how it feels to be a battered woman with no help in sight. Thankfully this has drastically changed over the years and women have such great resources now. The next day the truck arrived. It was an incredible feeling knowing all my stuff was going to make a difference in so many women’s lives. It was the most delicious way of letting go of things.
I know there are debates on whether it’s really a good idea to help people who are begging for food or money. Some believe they are giving money to the homeless who use the money for drugs or alcohol and are contributing to their addictions. Some feel the homeless are lazy and should get a job. This is a deep complex issue with so many pros and cons. I understand the reasoning but it goes deeper for me. I don’t know what may have happened to them in their childhood or even their adult lives. God does. I don’t know whether they will buy alcohol or drugs. God does. All I want to do is honor God and trust him to do what he does best. That’s what matters to me. I always think of the scripture in John 3:17 where is says, “But whoever has this worlds goods, and sees his brother in need and shuts up his heart from him how does the love of God abide in him.”
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Well done...
Blessings~
The police department in our city gives away $5.00 gift cards to Subway, McDonalds, and Burger King for example.