Time is moving along. It is almost Christmas Day! I will update my challenge information. Last week, I covered three days of the challenge and was able to bless three individuals. Today, I will cover days four and five.
Day 4- I previously ordered twelve 50″x 60″ Premier Comfort Sherpa Throws from Macy’s during one of their one-day sales. My goal was to give each of these throws to a homeless person. There are times I have seen homeless people sleeping on the cold ground. My heart ached for them. Hence, with the winter cold upon us and knowing some homeless individuals will not sleep in a shelter for whatever reason, I wanted to provide some warmth for them.
First, I placed each throw in beautiful bags and included a Christmas card, which I signed-“Jesus Loves You!” I also told them Jesus loved them as I handed out the bags. Next, I rode around for nearly three hours, looking for homeless individuals. Some had shopping carts or bags carrying their belongings. Subsequently, I spotted three at a closed McDonalds restaurant sitting outside. Sometimes, I even stopped on the side of the road when I saw someone walking with their belongings. On this day, accordingly, I gave out six of the throws.
Without a doubt, they were all so grateful. One individual asked me for my church’s name. As I began to tell him, he said, “COGIC!” I answered, “Yes.” He started shouting hallelujah and praising God. I wanted to ask him why he lives in the street when he knows about COGIC. But I didn’t. It was nice speaking to each of them and encouraging them. Everyone was receptive and polite.
On day 5, I did the same thing: I passed out the remaining six sherpa throws and gave each person an encouraging word. I wish I had more. During these five days, I blessed more than twelve individuals, which was the goal. I have a few more individuals I will still bless during this season. Thank you to those of you who are participating in this challenge.
I look forward to you sharing with us how you blessed others.
Merry Blessings!
Sister Jackie
Just wanted to share my update on my twelve days of Christmas giving to twelve individual persons. It was on my heart to share with 12 different care-givers, love gifts, whether they are working in a healthcare facility, or taking care of someone in their home. Often the caregivers are not recognized for the assistance they provide to those in need, some even say, well, it’s just their job. But, the “caring” care-giver is “priceless”, and they are all “essential” workers. I have not delivered all of my gifts yet, but plan to have them all delivered by Christmas Eve.
And I must add, that in the time that I was trying to decide what I wanted to do for this challenge, I have to acknowledge at least three acts of kindness that were shown to me. First, as I was in the line at a store with a over-flowing arm-basket, as I had decided not to get a cart as to not be tempted to get more than what I came for, and LOL, I usually fail at that, LOL, – but a young man that was in front of me, noticed my arm-basket was overflowing and I had some heavy items in it also, and I also had something in my hand. But, without saying a word, he got out of the line, and went and got a shopping cart for me, and he remarked that he was impressed at how strong I was holding that heavy basket, and I had to laugh and thanked him for his selfless act of kindness. Then on another occasion, I had stopped to get a take-out lunch, and the lady looked at me and smiled, and gave me an extra scoop of collard greens, and I thanked her too, for she didn’t know I love collard greens and was thinking about getting an extra side, LOL. And, on another occasion, I went to get my car washed at a drive-thru, and the young man that was taking the payment, told me, just out of the blue, that he liked my spirit, and was not charging me for my car wash, and that it was free, and it was not an economy wash, it was an upgrade.
Just thought I would add these acts of kindness, and to me, special gifts of kindness, though maybe small to some, but it blessed my heart and my spirit too. For I know that just as we show acts of kindness to others, we also receive acts of kindness in return. For God not only loves a cheerful giver, but He loves a grateful receiver too.
God bless you Sister Jackie in your generous selfless giving, and may God bless all that show kindness to others in all ways, every day!