Like the rest of the United States my thoughts have been
with those in the South this past week. The water may be receding, but recovery
both physically and emotionally is just beginning for adults and children
alike. I’m going to keep my blog post short and sweet this week and focus on
one of our 5 keys- Making Your Mark.
While some have headed straight into rescue work during and
after the storm, I want to challenge you to think more long term with your “recovery”
efforts. In the coming weeks I want you
to ponder how you can use your talents to leave a trail of sparkle with those
in the affected areas.
My mind is flooded with thoughts…
· -Finding a way to thank, support and encourage First responders that served during the floods
· -Do you know a family in the area that could use
some moral support? If not do you know a friend of a friend? It won’t take much
searching to find someone that knows SOMEONE that lost SOMETHING in this
disaster.
·
-Do you sew? Baby blankets, cloth diapers, adult
blankets, quilts, clothes..and so much more is needed and will continue to be
needed.
·
-Are you a card maker? Send a batch of cards to a
shelter sending words of encouragement and inspiration.
·
-Do you work in an industry that will give you
employee discounts that could be of benefit when purchasing something a
survivor may need?
·
-The holidays are coming…do you have all of your kids Halloween costumes stuck in
a box somewhere when they could be sent to a group of kids who don’t have a
home ,let alone a costume come October.
·
-Are you a songwriter? Use the images and stories
you’ve seen and heard to write some song lyrics that can be used in a positive
way and SHARE THEM to lift others.
-Are you an artist who can sell some of your work for fundraising?
·
-Do you belong to a church organization that is
organizing a project of some sort? If nothing is in the works yet…how about YOU
organize a virtual toy drive online with an Amazon Wish List.
·
As those people who's lives have been turned upside down start returning to social
media and voice their concerns and discouragement, reach out with a listening
ear. Even if you don’t know them personally, still reach out. Kind words can go a long, LONG way.
Those are just a few, random
thoughts that came to mind. Ultimately in this world of social media
connection, almost any talent or hobby can be used to benefit others. Even from
afar, it can be done. Personally, I follow a few groups online and will be
keeping my eyes open for those small opportunities as the months proceed. For
me, it may mean sewing a blanket even though I’m a newbie and it may be full of
bad stitches. It may mean being part of a Christmas card blitz to an unsuspecting
holiday junkie like myself who will not have Christmas otherwise. It may mean
buying shampoo on amazon for an adopted family my friends and I have found. It
may be all those things and hopefully so much more that is yet to be seen. I
truly believe that big changes come from small deeds. At the end of the day, it’s
about LOVE sparklers. Just share your LOVE!!! Michelle
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