I guess that's called perspective.
My children have learned how to use their hands and hearts to bring comfort to those whose material possessions were tossed to the wind. My community has learned that we are each other's the greatest source of strength and hope, and that those material possessions aren't as important as they seemed.
We've laughed and loved. We've ensured no one goes without. We've turned strangers into lifelong friends. And we are currently holding Alabama in our prayers as we strategize how to get our surplus relief donations into the hands of the people there.
Our hearts cracked wide open, but rather than bleed with loss, we've packed those open spaces with more love than I could've thought possible. From loss and fear has bloomed strength that knows we can get through anything so long as we have each other.
Perspective.
***This post is part of Wordful Wednesday.***
That is great that you had your children participate in this.
so glad to hear that you have all pulled together so well!
I love this. And I love that your kids are enthusiastically chipping in to help, too.
WW: Dragon Princess
Thinking of you, and your community. Way to go, kiddos! :)
This is awesome. I am certain it will be a perspective that they won't forget. Thinking of you and yours Kelly. Glad to see you writing in this space again.
That is great perspective and something your children will remember for a lifetime. Hope all is well.
What a great thing to teach your children.
Kelly, what a great post. Thank you for sharing with us. Your kids will always remember this time !
Good wishes to you.
Kelly, do you know of a family affected by the tornadoes (either in NC or Ala) who might need boy clothes? I have clothes that were shared with us after Katrina that I'd like to pass on. Mostly age/size 3-5.
This is wonderful.
A true blessing.
Happy Mothers Day to one of my favorite mothers in blog land. Love, Becky
I got chills! I'm so glad you guys are OK, and I think it's so generous that you are shipping leftover supplies to AL!
We drove through Tuscaloosa on the way to my parents' house. Amazing. Devastating. And because of you and others like you? Hopeful.
Sometimes I wonder and wonder and cry out to God asking why, why?? we suffer such devestation in lives ... but I think you have very eloquently answered why with this post. We don't come together as we should in times of abundance and joy -- strangers remain strangers and we rush through our lives. But then something bigger than all of us happens, and we tie our resources together along with our heart strings, and the pieces seem much less scattered, a bigger picture beginning to form.
It's such a testament to see people come together. It renews faith in mankind. How can we say this world is such a bad place when people are coming together like this, reminding us of how good people really are, especially when its needed.