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Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Hearts for Joplin

My heart goes out to Joplin.  Truth be told, they are near our neck of the woods.  What can you do when such destruction and suffering are taking place?

Well, you can pray.  Prayer is always needed Prayer is a very underestimated gift in our society today.

Still, I knew I had to do more.  But I do not have the skill set of a paramedic, police officer, or a doctor which they were calling for.  Then I saw a local announcement stating that our town was collecting items, one of which was clothing.  Knowing that we have a small house and regularly donate - but also have five people, three of which are rapidly growing kids, I figured we could still find some things.  I put forth a hunt and left no closet or bureau unturned.  Seven bags later, I had found what I could do to help. 

Still, I felt like I could do more.  What else would I want if I was a tornado victim?  I would feel so... helpless.  I would want to know someone cared.  It was then I got the idea.

My daughter and I decided to make some "cards" to stick in the pockets of the jeans we were donating.  We folded an index card in half and drew a red heart on the front of it and wrote "You are Loved." Inside the card we put a message.  Messages varied, but here's a sampling:  "Praying for you," "Sending love from Oklahoma," "God Loves You," and "Praying for you and sending love."

We carefully placed these in the jean pockets so the victims would find them once they got our clothes.  In one pair, we lightly stapled a card in so it wouldn't get lost in the shallow pocket.  We put one inside a teddy bear that had a little pocket.  The one that touched us the most - in a boys size 8 jean pocket.

People that are going through tragedy need to know they are being cared for.  They need to know there is someone out there who understands, that someone is thinking of them - that the world is not a dark place.  They need to know there are people praying.

Thought of the Day:  The best thing we can do at any time for anyone is to pray and let them know they are loved.  We all have different skill sets.  What is yours?  Once you find out what it is, you'll be able to enjoy the beauty that comes with being able to do what feels right for you. 



Have a beautiful day!

5 comments:

  1. Hi Colleen, this is a really beautiful idea which touches the hearts of the people and gives them the strength to carry on... well done! Love, Alois

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  2. Alois, thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words! :-) XOXO

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  3. My skill set would be stand up comedy. Who couldn't use a laugh right about now? Prayers and blessings for Joplin.

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  4. i have done something like that before.

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  5. It would be Heather! You could do your "yelling at the universe" routine! HA HA! "Anonymous, ha ha ha ha ha! Very funny! ;-)

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