By The struggles in this world are overwhelming to so many people. Everyday stressors such as hectic schedules of work, school, activities can be overwhelming. Health concerns from chronic illnesses or acute illnesses can involve struggles with diagnosis, adapting lifestyle changes, health insurance issues, and physical and emotional pain. Struggles with addictions in your family or personally can be stressful to the entire family. Domestic violence and single parenting can be overwhelming, scary, and financially and emotionally draining.
I just finished reading the non-fiction book Maid, which describes the life of a young single mother of one child. Relationships which were abusive and dysfunctional she left. Homeless shelters and poor housing situations were her only refuge. Working for minimum wage and receiving government subsidy barely met her financial needs. She was constantly one step away from not having enough to provide for herself and her young daughter. Yet she strived to earn a college degree and be the best mom that she could.
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Phillipians 4:13
Several times during the story of the Maid, ordinary people reached out to help her just when she thought there was no way. When she was in a car accident, and her job depended on being able to drive to work, somebody let her borrow a car. When she was cleaning a customer’s home and her finances were extremely tight, the home owner gave her a generous tip. A neighbor, offered a sled for her daughter to use during a snow storm.
How can you bless somebody with a ray of hope this week?
Consider things such as a grocery gift card, babysitting for a few hours, visiting an isolated/shut-in, playing a card/board game with the elderly.
Other ways to provide hope include providing financial support through an organization that gives back to the community such as KLOVE radio; or the YMCA.
The smallest gesture could possibly provide that hope to help them make this week better.
There have been many times where, seemingly out of nowhere, somebody comes through for me in a gesture, provision or comforting presence that has made all the difference in my morale. I realize that it is God using them–and that realization makes those smaller gestures all the more powerful. I want to be proactive in ways I can return that gesture to people who need it the most!
These are true blessings and I hope that many people can give routinely to those in need.