This past month has been a busy one for our family. Between
school, activities, birthdays and gatherings, I’ve had little time to sit and
catch up on current world events. I had heard about the typhoon that had hit
the Philippines, but with everything else, it just stayed on the periphery of my
life, not really registering as I carried on my daily duties.
Praying over our gift. |
And then this past week I got a letter from World Vision, an organization that -- among many things -- sends aid to areas of
the world affected by disaster. I had a few minutes before my daughter got off the
bus so I sat down, seeing the letter was about the devastation that had hit the
Philippines. Determined to be intentional and to stop, to finally take the time
to know what had happened.
What I read was shocking. Thousands thought dead. The worst
storm on record. Hundreds of thousands
of people and families displaced. The greatest needs being food, water,
shelter -- basic necessities that I rarely give a second thought. As the
shock began to wear off, I realized how long I had waited before really taking
the time to sit and take it all in. Kyle got home and I told him about what had
happened. We agreed we needed to do something. We would talk with the children
at supper that night, determined to always share our concern for others with
our kids, not wanting to scare them, but always wanting them to know and be a
part of our giving to others.
After supper I told the children we had something to discuss
as a family: A really bad storm had hit another part of the world. We began to
explain where the Philippines were, what had happened, how people needed help.
And then we asked them, “What should we do?”
All three agreed that we should give. But what? We decided
that we would provide emergency shelter for one family. Could we help
everyone impacted? No, but we could do our part, however small it might be.
As Kyle placed our donation in the middle of the table, each
of us extended a hand to pray over our gift. We started with Kyle and went
around the circle. We prayed for the specific family’s protection,
encouragement, and blessing. My children prayed for healing, food to be
available, and clean water. So simple. And yet so profound.
And as I was the last in line to pray, I couldn’t help but
look at these hands all together on the table. Little fingers extended,
believing God would use our small gift and take care of others in need. I
thought about the family this money would bless. And as I prayed, I began to
cry. Because in my mind’s eye I could picture this family. Not so different
from ours. And how would I feel if I were in their situation? As I
sheepishly closed in prayer, surprised by my own display of emotion, I looked up and caught my husband’s eyes, filled
with tears. He knew.
And my children sat quiet, just for a moment. Pondering what
we’d just done. I have realized that my children care deeply, and if given the
opportunity, they will be some of the most compassionate and giving people I
know. No cynicism or judgment about what others may do with their gift. They
believe they are giving it to God to bless others.
And I know that in a harsh world there are people and things
that will take advantage, who will use and abuse us if we let them, but I still
choose to love. To give.
We’ve told our children we will always error on the side of
giving and not holding back. No strings attached.
That we can be wise in our giving, yes, but that we are blessed to have the
things we do and we will not hold so tightly to them that we can’t let them go.
I want my children to know that we are not any more special
because we live in America. Or because we have more than others do around the
world. That we could just as easily be in the position of losing everything or
needing help.
We are all vulnerable.
We are all equal.
And when we see needs, we want to meet them.
I want my kids to give. Extravagantly. To not just feel
bad about things they see or hear about, but be moved to take action to do
something. To give. To love.
“True compassion is not just an emotion. True compassion
compels us to cross the street, and go and help.” –Christine Caine
Yes! I love this! You are such a great mom Kendra, keep up the good work! Reminds me of the quote I came across tonight I so loved, "God prospers me NOT to raise my standard of living but to raise my standard of GIVING. Randy Alcorn."
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