Christmas 2012

Posted on January 3, 2013 by washingmywindows

“No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us.” ~1 John 4:17

Earlier this year, after prayer and lots of thought, we decided to see if there was anyway we could bring some comfort to those who had little support at Christmas time. We started a program called “Santa’s Helpers” which connected elders in our community, who utilized the local food pantry’s services, with a family or individual willing to pick them up a little something for Christmas morn. Thanks be to God who continues to grace us in ways that delight and inspire awe in us, to all who helped, and a special thanks to Kim for making sure that none were missed!

Our second program, Just 4 One, involved a little more. We designed it to reach those who were single and lacking a strong support system over the month of December. Each week, they received a little bag full of all sorts of goodies to open and bring them cheer.They also received little notes in the mail. This was not a financial needs based program, though several were indeed in need, but one aimed at warming the heart and reminding them that they were not alone or forgotten. This program extended beyond the borders of South Lyon and reached out to Ortonville, Clarkston, and Davison as well.

In the beginning of December, we held a basket assembly to make Christmas baskets for those in both programs so that they would have something to open on Christmas morning. Our first shift of volunteers was a group of Girl Scouts. Those girls worked so hard to make beautiful baskets placing a lot of thought into what they were making. In as many of those baskets as we could, they wrapped a little gift so that the person receiving the basket would actually have something to open. Our second shift worked hard to quality check what had been made in the first round and added in a few little extras. What amazed me the most was after quality checking, they made many more baskets…despite being out of so much! It was like the loaves and the fish…baskets just kept multiplying…

A week later, much to our and their delight, nineteen baskets went down to Detroit to a program called GUIDE, which involves supporting grandparents who are now raising their grandchildren. We held back what we thought was needed for our other programs.

But two weeks later, as our programs all came to a close, we had five extra. Honestly, I stood in my basement on the 22nd of December frustrated with what to do with the extra baskets. All of our agencies were closed. All of our trips to Detroit and Flint were done. I hated to put them aside until next year, knowing that God trusts us to pass along what we’ve been given… what He has brought to us. So I began to think and pray…who could need these? Who did I know that might know someone? I think in the midst of my frustration, I cried out for God’s help…for His inspiration.

Then it hit me…the coordinator who steadfastly delivered our weekly program to the northern areas of our outreach…what about her and her helper? They had done such a wonderful job of helping us, and had been so diligent in their deliveries, as each bag held time sensitive instructions on the days to open each present. And what about the mom whose son we had been delivering bags too? Wouldn’t it be nice for her to have something to open as well? That left us with two…again what to do…

A thought popped into my mind. My sister, Robin, had spoken of an older lady who had been coming into their store for the last 6-8 months. She would talk with everyone and would spend a couple of hours each day wandering the aisles, even trying to help them if she found something in the wrong place. I knew my sister had wanted to make her a basket or bag of goodies, but had run out of time. And I had what seemed like just the perfect one…

That left us with one basket remaining and after finding homes for four, I became more determined that God had a home for it with someone. I thought maybe my sister, who had to work between then and Christmas, would know of someone at her store who could use a little Christmas cheer. We loaded the baskets into our car and met my family to load up their vehicle. Much to their surprise, we filled the back of my mother’s car, explaining who each one was for.

The next day, my sister secretly placed the basket on the counter of a co-worker, who had fallen on hard times with her family. Often caring for her grandchildren, being overrun by her troubled son, and struggling with health issues, my sister wanted to bring her some joy. At first, the woman wouldn’t even look at it, saying it couldn’t be for her…no one had ever given her anything so nice. Then she became afraid. She thought maybe her work was letting her go and this was their parting gift. All day long, my sister watched as this woman struggled to believe that the basket was for her. Later, she told my sister that she waited until everyone was gone home…on Christmas day…and then by herself, she opened it up delighting in each thing. “Never,” and I am using her words, “had anyone done something so nice for me…”

And the sweet little older lady…my sister texted me that when she gave her the basket, she began to jump up and down screaming. Much to my sister’s surprise; she never dreamed it would mean so much. The woman was so excited! She then took her basket and showed it to most of the employees in the store. What we found out later was that she lost her husband in the last 18 months and her children convinced her to sell her house so she could move in with her daughter. Six months later, and the daughter doesn’t want her anymore. Actually, we are not sure any of her children want her…as she spent Christmas with a cashier from the store. That is why she wanders through the store for hours on end…because she is not wanted at home…

Truly this loneliness plagues our nation, our world. Though we can drive farther, call faster, and can be connected from here to Singapore instantaneously, our relationships…they are not what they use to be and neither are our communities. What we found in the feedback we received in a variety of ways (as we tried to stay anonymous) was that many indeed felt forgotten and alone. These gifts, these baskets had brought them hope and reminders that the world does contain people who care. One man cried every time our coordinator delivered a bag. With another recipient, we heard of how much each letter and note meant…wanting so desperately to know who, in this busy world, would take the time to do this?

You see, while Christmas is truly about Jesus’ birth, it is also about the ultimate gift. He could have come down from heaven as King, bowing each of our knees by force, but instead He came gently, as a baby, granting us a gift with His life. The gift of choosing to open up and see and hear Him as well as always giving us the choice to follow. The gift of seeing His humanity in how He lived out His life as well as giving us His words to guide our way. He was thoughtful in how He came…surprising us all as a baby; caring in what He brought to us…salvation and hope. He was kind in how He saved us…not with condemnation and force, but grace, truth and love. He gave to each of us His best…when He died on the cross for our sins despite the fact that He could have called in the heavenly army, choosing instead to die in our hands. He lived His life going the extra mile to save one soul…and let us not think that doesn’t include our own. And amazingly today, for those with open hearts, He lovingly comes to us and lives with us. He truly gave and continues to give us so much more than He has too…

And what He left for us seems so simple on its face…His command to love one another. To look at His life and His words and live them out with His grace in and through our lives. Not to love as we want to be loved. Not to give what we like. Not to offer from where and who we are, but to touch others’ hearts with true grace and hope where they are and for who they are.

It seems to me that love is always best expressed through such things: time, thoughtfulness, effort, caring enough to try to give what another desires, kind and true words, pretty bows, all the little extras that you didn’t have to do but in doing so, expresses so much more than words…showing that your love, like His, is in the little things as well as the big…

God always honors that…when we are trying to love someone else in their best interest and not ours…

From colored pencils and Christmas cards to delight a mildly mentally handicapped young lady alone in a group home with little family left (for she loves to color and give out Christmas cards each year)…to cooking magazines and Do-It-Yourself guides for a husband and wife who needed to see Christmas again like a child…to a soft doll with wonderfully stitched details and fuzzy soft clothing for a woman who is blind and can only feel…to a man (who lost his wife, his job, his house, and his savings) whose favorite scent is Old Spice…God brought us what they needed to bring them Christmas joy. He is that awesome of a God…He truly cares about others receiving gifts–gifts of all kinds, but then again, should we expect anything less?

Time and time again, He shows us that when we love one another–truly and honestly love another like He asks–that expression of humble love shows that He lives through us and in us. What a blessing that is to be a part of His great work in the life of another. And so the question arises: whose heart can you touch this year with such love?

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in humility that comes from wisdom.” James 3:13

By faith…a new Christmas program

Posted on December 6, 2012 by washingmywindows

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” ~Hebrews 11:1

When I started this blog, I talked about paying attention to the little things that happen often right in front of us.

Easter 2010 culminated with us standing in a kindergarten classroom. Next to me, lined up by the door was a gal from the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, my dad, my sister Robin, her husband Leo, and Joann, a regular volunteer of Families Building Faith. The principal had interrupted the classroom of excited children with a special surprise. It was the Easter baskets we had made. One for each of them delivered by the sixth grade students.

As we stood there watching them receive their basket at their desks, a young boy pointed to me and wiggled his finger beckoning me over to his desk. Bending down, he told me that he was going to give two out of the three stuffed animals in his basket to his younger brothers. Ever so quickly and confidently, he assigned them the names of Jeremiah and Elijah. I smiled with a little tug at my heart…those names were from the Bible.

Smiling at him, I asked him his name. He proudly said “Isaiah.” I laughed thinking, “Go figure, God would confirm where we are at through this child”…Isaiah and Jeremiah hold special Scriptures that have always been a great comfort to me. It was also in this instance that I realized we needed to label each child’s basket with their name. The teacher had told them they couldn’t open them and they were going to move them to a central pile, but I could see that the children were already invested in them…they had seen and touched their basket. So the teacher graciously allowed us (all of the volunteers) to get down on our knees and write the children’s names on their baskets.

As time has gone by, I haven’t forgotten Isaiah. This year when we delivered Easter baskets again and I was in a classroom, I saw a young boy cross in front of me. I thought I recognized him, but wasn’t sure why. Then I realized that we were standing in the first grade room, last year’s kindergarten class. I scanned the room for Isaiah. I walked over to him and said, “Hi Isaiah. I am not sure you remember me, but I remember you from last year.” He seemed shy, and I told him that I hoped he had a good rest of the year

Those little moments…remember how I said they are important. The week before Thanksgiving, I sat at a table with a group of parents from that elementary school. The principal had invited Families Building Faith to attend their Parent Action Committee meeting in part because they were celebrating with a Thanksgiving meal and she really wanted to thank us for all the different things we have brought their way.

Trying to connect with them, I told them about meeting the kindergarten class for the first time and the story of Isaiah. The parents said, “Oh, he’s a sweet boy!” They all seemed to know of him…nodding and shaking their heads.

On the way up to Flint that day, I had thought about our Christmas outreaches through Families Building Faith and had wondered if maybe the school could help us connect with some truly needy families. As the meeting progressed, the subject of Christmas came up. This year, the school had to bypass an opportunity to assign their needy families to a local Christmas outreach program because most of their families are unable to drive to pick up the food and toys. My heart broke when they said they have approximately 125 families in need. Last year, of the 125, approximately only 15 were able to take advantage of the services due to a lack of transportation.

Well, that answered my question about needy families!! I sat there thinking, “Yikes, 125!”. At the end of the meeting, I ventured over to the principal and coordinator. I had a car full of clothes for the kids that we needed to unload, and then quietly explained our gently used Toy Drive. I told her that I was embarrassed to ask for only five families…but would they consider helping us connect with five? They were so gentle, kind and excited…and to them, five adopted is better than none.

We headed out to the car to unload it, and I met with the coordinator about getting the names. Actually I gave her a list of questions that we need to know about each family. When I got to my last question, it was about food. What we have learned is that many, in really tough places, don’t even have ingredients, stoves or the cooking equipment to actually cook. I asked if they could inquire about that ability so that we could tailor any food contributions to each family’s true needs. What good is it to give them a raw turkey if they have nowhere to cook it?

She nodded and said they were beginning to realize that some of their families are struggling with that very issue. She went on to talk about a family she knew that was grappling with cooking. The family lives in the projects, which are not too far from the school. The dad loved to cook and always made the meals. Early one morning this late spring, he stepped out to leave and was gunned down, killed, right on his front steps. They had four children, four young boys. The coordinator continued on with how the older two boys had begged their mom to please cook them something, but she had no idea how.

Another volunteer in the room asked how we learned of the school so I shared the story of how the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan had helped us connect. The parent coordinator, in turn, mentioned that family again as they took part in a video done for the Food Bank, and happened to say one of the little boy’s name…Isaiah. I stopped her. Was Isaiah in second grade this year? “Yes, yes, he is.” Does he have two younger brothers? “He does.” We realized quickly that this Isaiah was the Isaiah I met two years ago. It was his stepfather who was gunned down this last spring 2012…it was Isaiah and his older brother who had step over that spot each morning in grief and torment to finish school.

I felt my heart tear and an ache develop. I was once told that such feelings might equate to a “holy discontent”…a fire that won’t let go of your heart driving you towards action versus inaction…to believe that something can be done when many just turn away. I had known there that God had a reason for why I was asked to go. A reason that He was nudging me to follow though I had no idea why. The only thing I knew was that I felt strongly there was something I was supposed to learn. Never in a million years did I expect it to be about Isaiah…

His mom totally broke down. Four young children. No way to cook and not even knowing how. Living in the dangerous projects and struggling with her own deep grief, she sent Isaiah and his older brother to live with their grandmother in Clio, which is just north of Flint. All four boys were devastated with the youngest ones not understanding what had happened. Now not only a father gone, but a family torn apart. No older brothers to protect them and no younger brothers to care for.

It turns out that a teacher who knew Isaiah was visiting his new school one day when he ran up to her, threw his arms around her and cried out her name. He hugged her closely much to his current teacher’s surprise. The next day the principal called. Isaiah hadn’t spoken since he had arrived. Trauma, I am sure. Losing his dad, and eventually his mom and baby brothers whom he cares so much about. In fact, after his stepfather passed, he had proclaimed that he would the “man” in the house to help take care of them all. The principal of the new school wanted to know if there was any way the teacher could come back to visit him. I stood there stunned. I stood there with an ache in my heart that was way too familiar on this journey with God.

What to do?

What do you do when God hands you information like this? When He fills your heart with an ache that just isn’t going to let go? When He open your eyes to walls that are crumbling, lives that are broken, and then let’s you look at the hands at your side? Do you really turn, thank the person for the update and walk away?

Must we always tell Him, “No that’s too much, too big, impossible to help…?” Is it…is it really?

So I thought…quickly. Somebody has to be able to reach him, and I pray that that teacher indeed gives her time. But I knew when I walked up to Isaiah last year, there was a reason. I wasn’t sure why. I don’t like to single out people, and I don’t like to draw attention to myself. Honestly, as hard as it is to believe, I prefer the drop and runs of service work. Letting people know that we care, that God loves them, and then leaving the rest in His hands…no need for thank you’s, accolades, or praise…just keeping it simple. But, deep down…I knew then there was a reason God was nudging to talk to him…that there was a reason he called me over to his table to tell me the names of his stuffed animals.

My question to you is this…what do you do when God breaks your heart? Do you turn towards it or away? Do you offer what you can, or do you say you have nothing to offer? That none of the gifts and blessings God has granted you can be used, or do you trust God He has placed that person, that situation, that information in your path for a reason and allow Him to guide you to a better understanding?

Our world is truly a wonderful and amazing place (just so you know, I am not a fan of those who disparage this world as if it was a mistaken or haphazard creation), but with all of its beauty, it is also filled with hurting, lonely, and yes, many heartbroken people. Individuals who just need to know God has forgotten them, that they are cared for and have a purpose. So I asked myself, how can I turn away from Isaiah’s story and do nothing?

So…after much prayer…

Please join us as we venture into uncharted territory for Families Building Faith as we seek to adopt out families at this elementary school and bring them some joy this Christmas season. I’ve posted four families that can be adopted on our database at www.signupgenius.com. You must have an invite from us to check this out, and you can obtain one from us by emailing us at familiesbuildingfaith@yahoo.com. You can also hit the direct link on our postings to those invites at our official Facebook page: www.facebook/familiesbuildingfaith. If all four get adopted, we will see if we can get more posted…the school is willing, we are willing…now let us pray that God move hearts of those who might be able to help.

The key to our program will be having everything turned into us so that we can deliver the last couple of days of school at this elementary school. The due date to our doorstep is Monday, December 17th…but you are always welcome to drop off beforehand. We are setting spending limits (this is not about Sony Playstations) to simple gifts, and we will also be asking for food donations…specific to each family’s ability. Some may be able to cook a ham; others may need lunch meat and bread.

And yes, my family will be adopting Isaiah and his family. Please pray that somehow I can deliver some of the gifts directly to him letting him know that not only have I not forgotten, but that he has been sought out because God indeed loves him and I truly care.

You might ask why and how we would launch a new program with the craziness of the Christmas season…but isn’t that what it is all about? A crazy story of love, faithfulness and willingness; a journey to a different place where some were forgotten by the rest; lives to be touched, hearts to be rend, and a world so desperately needing change? Everything about Christmas is because God so loves us! And in return, He asks us to love one another…

As I sat at the table during lunch, I shared with some of the parents a thank you note I received from a child after Easter. In it, the child said it was the only thing she received for Easter. A grandmother sitting across from me nodded and looked down. She quietly said, “You don’t know how many of these children only receive things through the school.” I know it is all too true.

So…

We are hoping to not only adopt out some families but to continue and expand our Toy Drive to cover those whose families aren’t adopted. Yes, please join us in prayer as we continue to collect gently-used and new toys…praying that God bring us enough to provide a toy to as many as possible, that He move hearts to look at their toy boxes and closets for what they are no longer using, and that He bring us those who can help sort and deliver.

We know it is a big task, but we have a bigger God! We trust and are asking God to help us move mountains with those willing to share their hearts, hands and ability to bring happiness, comfort and hope to little ones such as these this Christmas morn. And what a gift He has given us to be a part of it!

“Jesus replied, ‘I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.'” ~Matthew 21:21-22

16 reasons…

Posted on June 5, 2012 by washingmywindows

There are lots of reasons why we do our Easter basket outreach. Always because God placed it on our hearts, but for the last couple of years, the need seems so much greater. So much more personal…

In the book of Esther, she is taken from her home to become a possible wife of the king. Eventually she is chosen to be his queen. It turns out that the position she found herself in had the potential to do more good than just for herself and her family. She learned that one of the king’s trusted men had plans to eradicate her people. As her mentor sent her information, he finished with these words: “And who knows whether you have not come to this position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14

While most of those in Families Building Faith, and certainly not us (my household), are not in a “royal” position, most of us are in better positions than somebody else; sometimes, that is physically, emotionally or financially. That has become crystal clear to me over these years of reaching out. More often than not, we are in a position to make a difference…and that position is often given to us by God for a reason.

Most of our outreaches are about us taking our blessings and passing them along…sometimes we’ve used them gently, sometimes they are brand new, but oftentimes, we are able to do something for the need that is before us. In my personal life, God is often not asking anything more than for me to give someone else some encouragement, a hug, a nod, an ear to hear their stories, a confirmation that they are not alone in their own struggle, or more simply, my time.

The other day, I visited Carpenter Road Elementary School. In a bag of baskets that the kids had eagerly brought back for us was a large envelope. The principal told me that it contained some thank you notes. As I stopped for lunch, I brought them in with me. Walking through the door, I gently pulled the first one out at the top and read the first two sentences. I gasped…for two reasons: one because of the need that sat on the first line, and two because we were blessed to have made a difference. A little humbled by what I read, I tucked it back into the envelope to take out when I sat down.

In case you’ve ever wondered (come on…you know you have!), here are16 reasons why we do what we do:

1.   Because there is a true need of the heart…someone who needs to know God’s love and that another truly cares.

Dear Families Building Faith,

I thank you for the Easter basket. It helped a lot because I didn’t have an Easter basket on the 8th. So the basket helped. I liked the silly string & the teddy bear because I like teddy bears. I have a friend named Early and he liked the other teddy bear I got from you. My teddy bear’s name is Valentina. Her name was in a heart. I will always keep the gifts because I like it, and love it. I liked the paryer cards the most. Thank you, CM

2.   Because there is a use for those things we no longer use.

Dear Families Building Faith,

Thank you for the Easter basket. The toys I liked most was my stuffed bear, bubbles and my Mickey Mouse painting set. I loved the candy. It was yummy and sweet. The basket was so pretty and colorful. It was set up perfectly. I had a fun Easter with the basket. You are all so generous. Sincerely, ZW

3.   Because all children need to read and play.

Dear Family Building Faith,

Thank you for the Easter basket. I really loved the books that you gave me. The candy was yummy and the toys were cool. Sincerely, TA

4.  Because kindness and generosity can be felt in and through our actions.

Dear Families Building Faith,

I’d like to thank you for your kindness and generosity. And I’d like to thank you for being kind enough to give us an Easter basket. Some of favorite kinds of things were in it, like the Luigi from Mario Bros. OH…and the pug dog. I loved it.   Plus the comic book was cool. So thanks. I hope it happens again next year. Sincerely, SEG

5.     Because it is strengthening to our faith to see God move in the little details of life, showing how much He knows each of us, such as connecting a little girl with her favorite color.

Dear Families Building Faith,

I love the basket you sent me for Easter. I love the blue and white bows. blue is my favorite color. I loved the brown bear that with the basket. I like the candy to. Sincerely, ZM

6.     Because sometimes it makes all the difference in the world to know someone cares and is praying for you.

Dear Families Building Faith,

I liked the Easter basket. It had a lot of good stuff in it. My favorite things were the silly string and the candy. Thank you for praying for me.   Sincerely, T.

7.    Because His glory is seen by His faithfulness…it is no small feat to these kids that everyone in their school received an Easter basket. And it is no small miracle in our eyes either!

Dear Familes Building Faith,

Thank you for all the Easter baskets you gave to this school. We are thankful for what you gave us. I liked everything in the basket. Sincerely, JJ

8.   Because life should be about joy, when possible.

Dear Families Building Faith,

Thank you for the Easter basket. I liked the stuff in it. Thank you again for the Easter basket. Sincerely RB

9.  Because God so loved us that He gave His One and Only Son…we love because He first loved us. This little one was able to feel and return love because we conveyed love.

Dear Families Building Faith,

Thank you for the Easter basket. I liked everything that was in my Easter basket. I love you for giving me the Easter basket. I like the candy that was in my Easter basket. Thanks again, SC

10.    Because there is nothing better than helping someone to have a “happy day.”

Dear Families Building Faith,

I wanted to thank you for the Easter baskets for all of our class. Thank you for everything in it. I appreciate it. It’s very generous. It helped make a happy day. The colors on it were my favorite. Thank you a lot. Sincerely KN

11.  Because God paints the sky each morning and evening for us…this outreach is our response of gratitude.

Dear Families Building Faith

I liked the Easter basket that you gave us. Thank you for your support. I liked everything that you gave me. I like the generous stuff you gave me. My favorite thing that was in my basket was the paint set. Sincerely, DG

12.    Because when we share, it inspires others to…

Dear Families Building Faith

Thank you for the great Easter basket you gave me. I thought the Transformers were cool. My little cousin thought my bubbles were cool too. The candy was great too. Thank you again, TG

13.    Because sometimes in life, we can help others to experience the goodness of the Lord.

Dear Family Building Faith

I thank you for your generous basket. I like the Easter basket you gave me. Everything was my favorite. The favorite thing was in my basket was the paint set. Sincerely, BM

14.    Because God created chocolate and bears with army coats…so much to be shared, enjoyed and loved.

Dear Families Building Faith,

Thank you for being so generous and giving us those wonderfully extreme Easter baskets. I loved the chocolate and the bear with the army coat. Sincerely, C

15.  Because we all need a reason to use the word “marvelous” in our lifetimes…

Dear Families Building Faith,

Thank for giveing me a bastket. It was a marvelous idea. It was fun to eat the candy and play with the toys. Sincerely, TM

16.  Because “you can change people just by doing the little things that count.”

Dear Families Building Faith,

Thank you for the lovely Easter basket. It was generous of you to give us Easter baskets. I really appreciate it. You can change people just by doing the little things that count. The Easter basket was beautiful. Thank you. Sincerely, M

As I sat there reading these notes from fifth graders, I found my heart moved and my eyes welling up. So many things confirmed by these simple thank yous. So many movements of God that can’t be denied. How does a boy end up with his favorite character, Luigi? How does a child end up with their favorite color? You might think it is because someone knew, but that is not how the baskets were handed out. They were just placed on the desks or given out in a random order.

On an organizational note, these notes seemed to speak directly to the different things we do…the structure of how and why we do what we do. The beauty and the order of the baskets does matter. It makes those receiving the baskets feel special…something we strive hard for in the quality of our baskets. The one note about the blue and white bows…good encouragement to those who cut our ribbon because after cutting and tying lots, you start to wonder does it really matter? The fact that almost all of them confirmed my dad’s words about candy was especially touching. And our Scripture cards that simply lay out God’s own words for them to see…reminders of His love, His faithfulness, and His shelters…to mean the most to someone who would have received nothing…how amazing! These are all the little things that I stared at in disbelief…the little questions I had asked myself…does this matter…am I crazy for thinking it does? I sat in awe of these notes with my heart thankful to God for this call, for the strength that He gives, and for the ability to try to make a difference, even when I am unsure whether we can.

Sadly, there are too many children–as the first letter stated–receiving nothing on Easter. While it might be easy to say that an Easter basket is unnecessary or trivial, it is not so easy to say when you realize it does matter when you are the one left out. No matter how some may try, there’s virtually no way around the holidays we celebrate as a country. All kids know about Easter…and Christmas too.

And truly there is no greater lie than the one that tells you that you don’t matter. Empty cupboards, empty living rooms at Christmas time, no Easter baskets…all convey the same message: You are not special and you don’t matter. God knows it is not true, and He tells us–those who are in the position to help–to care for those oppressed. Jesus told us to love others as we would want to be loved. Paul, the great apostle, instructs to go to where they are…to meet them where they are at. How can they hear of God’s love if it is only words or tracks of paper? How can they trust God’s love when they feel as if no one in this world truly cares?

Serving Christ by reaching those in need is often where the rubber meets the road when it comes to faith. Thank You God for these 16 letters for they are nourishment for our souls. They are God’s message that what we do is important…that it matters a whole lot to those who truly need to know they matter to Someone. May our hearts continue to stay steadfastly committed to being Your hands and feet in the here and now of where You have placed us.

“Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: ‘Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.'” ~Esther 4:15-16

What it looks around here during our Easter season…

Posted on June 4, 2012 by washingmywindows

I thought I would share some photos of what it looks around here during Easter. Hopefully, they will help you to see why it grew so quiet on my blog, but more than that, I hope you see something a little harder to explain and truly inspiring…

For the last couple of years, we have been so blessed by volunteers willing to do all sorts of jobs. We started posting these “at-home” tasks on-line and letting people do them at their home while watching TV, visiting or when it worked for them. Here our ribbon is waiting in bags for a volunteer to stop by and pick it up. No small task…to cut all the ribbon we need. We generally tie three multi-colored strings together to give an extra pretty look. A women’s small group took on this task from a local church. What a help!

Some prepping of the stairwell to our basement. Mark was a good sport and he is a great painter!

Here’s the finished product…

Preparing the basement for the beginning of assemblies…

We have a great shelving system that wraps around our basement…

Here’s another shot…looking from our wrapping stations. Yes, even the cat likes this time of year 😮

We need to have the system ready to sort through all the donations that come in…

and like this…

and this…almost daily, during this ourteach, people leave a bag or two of things they think we can use…and that adds up when a few people stop by…But some days are a little bit overwhelming (not really, exciting is a better word at seeing God’s movement through the dedication and devotion of others), but only until it goes to the basement. It gets sorted through quickly. When it is one person sorting, it feels like it takes forever. When it is two, wow…what a difference! Actually on this day, someone brought over a bunch of items from their sister’s estate. The sister had collected Easter and other holiday items and had made them promise they would find someone who could use it. It just so happens that their daughter-in-law heard of what we were doing and shared the info. The more remarkable fact was that many, many of our bins had gone empty just the day before so this delivery was perfectly timed!

This year was the first year that we had items actually delivered to our house from UPS. Two boxes of baskets (100 of them). It was so exciting!

A lot of times, it is just small donations…this was given to us from a sweet lady. Actually, twice. Another woman dropped off this set later in the season too…those stuffed animals were so incredibly soft!!

And then there was the Dollar Tree’s collection, which often just blew us away…yes, this is just one pick-up. We picked up twice a week, and from their estimates, the South Lyon community donated close to 5,000 items! The harder part to believe is that almost all of it went out…we have just a few coloring books, bubbles and play-dough left that will go to a couple of different summer programs. These baskets were packed full!!

We were also amazed at the number of groups and places that collected for us. The South Lyon Center for Active Adults…

The Girl Scouts celebrated their 100 year birthday and the South Lyon area Girl Scouts collected over 360+ coloring books and crayons for us…

Some even used their talents to make items for our baskets…

And some even made their own baskets following our guidelines…one lady made 8 of them herself and brought them over right before our last delivery. She had so much fun that she decided to hang on to them until we needed them to decorate her house…they were so cheery and festive. It was quite sweet!

There were also many more. The South Lyon Garden club used some funds and brought a wonderful donation of toys. The United Presybeterian church collected items from their congregation, and we received a couple of monetary donations from all over that truly helped. People brought things from Brighton, Pinckney, Hamburg, Whitmore Lake, Livonia, Sterling Heights, Ortonville…from all over. One letter and check even came from Florida! All of it was really quite amazing!!

There are so many things that go into the baskets. This year, I stood in the basement and thought of my dad as I looked at the candy shelves. It was a short thought of how much I missed him being here with us at this time of year, and a couple of days later came an email from my cousin remembering my dad saying last year how he wished the baskets could have more candy in them. I too remembered him saying, “Candy. That’s what the kids love!” So I sent up a little prayer to heaven along with some tears asking God that if the baskets were meant to have more, could He bring it?

Let me say…we have NEVER had as much candy as we received this year…

It was everywhere…

And came from all sorts of places…this was a car full…donated Valentine’s candy from a store that couldn’t bear to throw it out.

Some in large batches…our local nursing home residents helped unbag and box all of the candy we picked up from hitting the clearance racks at Target. They loved it!

Some in small amounts…it all helps!

Some on sale…with our faithful friends keep an eye out for the really good deals!

It came and came and came. What a gracious God we have! I can see my dad smiling in heaven as God answered the prayer of his daughter in ways she truly wasn’t expecting…

And so it began to come together…the basement, the table of goodies for our volunteers to snack on, the baskets, and the events.Baskets began to be made…

Piles started to grow…

Kids smiled…oh, the kids, we had so many this year. We always do, but this year, their enthusiasm, their hearts and their hands helped to create so many beautiful baskets! Their attitudes encouraged us, and their eager willingness to help others is reason for a lot of hope for our world. The number of kids who wanted to come back to help was remarkable.

Volunteers came…from all over. Our family was incredibly supportive, and now our extended family too! We had lots of independent families, retirees, small groups, Girl Scouts, and neighbors come to help. My mom devotingly came down every week to help sort…she loved the job! So many hands gave their time and energy to getting the baskets out…

The basement filled…again and again…

So did our garage…a first time…it filled at least twice…but I lost count after that with things become a bit more of a blur with the unexpected passing of my aunt.

Our upstairs, which is devoted to the adult basket assembly…it filled too.

The boxes raised and lowered again and again…these are mostly travel/hotel samples/soaps that we collect year round.

Funny story, I was praying one morning for shelves. For some reason, it seemed like we needed another set but they are so costly. I just couldn’t bear the idea of spending money on them, so I prayed asking God for some help with this…could He please bring us shelves somehow, someway? In His own funny way (I do believe God has a sense of humor) and with a strong reminder that humbling ourselves is half the battle, late that night while on a walk with Mark, someone had put a nice set of shelves out to the trash in our neighborhood. Much to my chagrin, after seeing that they were just dusty, I decided to drag them home. Not something I wanted to do, but how could I walk pass them and say, “Not those!” Mark was just slightly ahead of me on a phone call that had come in uexpectedly so he didn’t see me dragging them along. I can’t imagine how silly it looked! After poking fun at me, he helped me get them down to the basement (only for me to haul them back up a couple of weeks later to where we needed them–our dining room–and yes, they go back in the basement the rest of the year).

Now you all might think that we must do nothing but sort donations and build Easter baskets, but that is not true. It could consume every moment of our lives, but I have gotten good at shutting the door to the basement or staying away from our living room and dining room. I realized a couple years into this outreach that God doesn’t ask us to be a slave to what He calls us too…that is often our choice. It is only by balancing work with pleasure that you can stay focused on the joy of what you are doing! So here’s a glimpse of the other part of our lives…

We went skiiing up north near Petosky…

We celebrated a birthday…and then left the decorations up for a bit.

Played in what little snow we received this winter…

We traveled to Arizona for a long weekend in the sun…

There was time for basketball…

We took time to enjoy the incredibly warm weather that came upon Michigan in March and fooled us all into thinking it was the beginning of summer…

We took time to go to a Christian rock concert…my whole family (minus just a couple). And yes, we danced, sang and were humbled by the number of times God spoke to each of our hearts in His own and personal way…

But no matter what, the end of anything is sometimes the hardest. As we entered into the last two weekends, I won’t lie…it was difficult and long. And yet, we were met with unending support, encouragement and strength to deal with the unusual set of circumstances that had arisen. All that said, I think almost every member of our family was ready for life to return to our “normal”.

There were lots of deliveries, tons of baskets, and lots of last minute donations. We often don’t take pictures of those receiving, but the feedback was just like years past…a gratefulness in their voices and on their faces that words (or probably even pictures) can’t fully describe. There were moments of relief, desperation, excitement and joyfulness. There was awe and grace, and then there were tender moments where what we had done just didn’t seem enough for the need we encountered. And yet, somehow, we were able to go farther and deliver more…

We were able to take 100 more baskets to another elementary school in Flint where those 100 kids often don’t have food on the weekends…would they likely have an Easter basket? This year, thanks be to God, yes they did! That is what all of those paper bags are filled with…specially made basket for each child in their weekend back pack food program. We were so thrilled and so were they!

We were able to meet the needs that we have always been blessed to be able to, but at the end of this outreach, God enabled us to take even more to a special place that helps families with disabled children, whose list is forever long. We usually service them with about 200; this year, over 500…you should have seen the beaming faces and excited staff!

While we were physically exhausted and I was emotionally spent, part of me didn’t want to close the door…it was that beautiful…all of it…the prep, the builds, the volunteers, those bringing donations, offering their cars, traveling to and from…here in this picture, we have two vans filled with Easter baskets following us to Flint (you can see them in the mirror)…Seeing excited children and excited parents; hugs from grateful social workers; passionate family advocates telling us of the lives that were touched; grateful, quiet words from the elders–one with tears in her eyes telling me softly how she wished she could be in the “field” working with us–at a nursing home who were so glad to help build a few baskets, the volunteer who baked all of the goodies for our assemblies lifting a load off of my shoulders. God doesn’t call us to easy tasks…that should be a red flag, He calls us to His tasks, often the things the world is so willing to overlook because it is difficult.

From the little we give, it almost seemed too much to receive…even when His call is hard, He doesn’t ask us to bear these things on our own. He comes alongside us, goes behind us, props us up when we could fall, breathes life back into us when we are not sure it will be there tomorrow, and He brings it all into passing. It is June, nearly two months later, as I write these words with tears brimming in my eyes for I am still in awe…at all He did for us and for them this Easter.

Good News!

Posted on February 15, 2012 by washingmywindows

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see.” ~Hebrews 11:1

For the last 3 or 4 years, we have been incredibly blessed in that our local Dollar Tree collected items purchased by their customers for our Easter Basket Collection. One of our members, Tina, stopped in to see whether they might be interested, and sure enough, they agreed. We would pick up the items over the few weeks of our outreach, and as the awareness of this event grew, so did the donations. They have become an integral part of our Easter baskets to the joy of the children, and the amazement of the adults. Here you can see some of their items in our baskets…

This last December, I started feeling nudged again and again to pray for the Dollar Tree. Over time, I have learned to following those nudgings although I don’t always understand why I am being reminded to pray. Sure enough, when I popped into the Dollar Tree, in January to talk about our upcoming outreach, things had changed. The corporation had changed its policy about allowing local stores to collect for local charities. In all fairness to Dollar Tree, it was self-protective measure after unfair and bad press in December. The manager was so upset as I talked with her, but she felt pretty sure they wouldn’t be able to even though they truly wanted to. After a few moments of discussion, she said she would forward it to corporate to see if somehow, someway, they would allow them to collect for us.

Well, a couple weeks went by…and no news. I sent out a note asking for prayers from those I know are steadfast in prayer. In the beginning of February, I stopped in again and they still hadn’t heard anything. However, the manager seemed even more convicted that they should be helping. It was with one sentence that I realized the depth of her sorrow…”I just can’t imagine these kids not being able to receive as nice of baskets…how this will impact them.” She told me that she was trying hard to think of a way…and so we kept praying.

The other night, I was with a group of women who love to stamp. They were asking me a bunch of questions including one about the Dollar Tree, so I explained the situation. One offered to see if the other stores in the plaza might be willing to handle the collection box so that people didn’t have to drive the bags over to us. I told her I would check with Dollar Tree’s manager to see if that might work.

The next day, I stopped in again. The manager was in the front of the store restocking some items when I approached her. As I touched her on the shoulder, she looked up, smiled a big smile and said, “You were on my list to call. They approved it!” She was grinning ear-to-ear telling me they would start collecting today. I stood there amazed. What a blessing…for all involved!! Their cashiers are so excited, and they love sharing with others about the good all of us can do together to support those who are less fortunate in our community! Here’s a photo of two of them from last year…they were all smiles, and we were and are so incredibly grateful!!

So thank You God for the nudges to pray, for the blessings You will bring these kids again this year, and for the blessings You will bestow on the Dollar Tree for being faithful again. Thank You God for teaching and showing us that our prayers are important and somehow a part of Your will, and for the lesson of patience and steadfastness in the face of doubt and uncertainty. May we stay diligent in prayer and in believing even that which we cannot see!!

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” ~Matthew 7:7

When it is cold outside…

Posted on January 21, 2012 by washingmywindows

Today, it was less than 8 degrees in the early morning hours here in South Lyon, Michigan. I dragged myself out of bed and took Blaze for a very early morning walk–trying to stay committed and not let myself find excuses! About half way round the way, and my left cheek was burning. The rest of me was bundled up pretty well, but my face was exposed and I was feeling it. I thought of how thankful I was that I had snow pants, gloves, a warm coat and a hat on me, and how so many do not…how do they survive in this painfully, biting cold? My mind briefly thought of the children who don’t have coats, or who have no boots…

Last spring, we took Easter Baskets to a school in the Flint area. It was in the end of April, and one of the things we noticed, and later had confirmed, was a need for clothing. For years, we have been praying for the opportunity to reach the Flint area and God had met us each time in answering those prayers. Why Flint, you might ask?

The summer before my sophomore year in highschool, my parents moved their family to Davison, Michigan, which is about 20 minutes east of Flint. When I graduated from high school, I decide to commute to the University of Michigan’s Flint campus and stay to work with my dad in his business in Mount Morris. I knew and saw firsthand the need in Flint. The devastation that had come with incredibly hard times, the absolute poverty and lack of hope.

As my life continued to twist and turn, I remember one Christmas when Josh was young, Mark and I were driving home late that night from my parents’ house. As we travelled across I-69 and I looked out the window into the lit neighborhoods of the city, in my heart I felt this deep pang. For some reason, I could feel the pain of those who knew no Christmas that year, who were cold and hungry…those who felt forgotten…and my heart ached. I thought of the kids lying in bed wishing for Santa, for food, for love and for warmth. Maybe it was then that God took hold of my heart for Flint…

So advance in time, many years later in a totally different world, Families Building Faith was born. Our second outreach was our Easter Basket Collection. We had just come off of an amazing experience collecting bread and blankets for a food pantry, when we began to think of what to do next? Easter came to mind, and off we went following God…Whose grace still to this day humbles and overwhelms me. As the years progressed in this outreach, my hope was one day to have enough to reach those in need in Flint. That day came a few years ago.

Last year, we moved from delivering baskets to our normal mode of operation…through a food pantry…to a school directly, with the help of the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan. God was so incredibly good to us, because we decided we didn’t just want to help “some” of the kids at a school but all of them. That was a pretty tall order, but with much prayer and much faith, we were able to take them about 400 baskets for their preschool through 6th grade…their entire school. It was an amazing experience! And that school has never been far from our minds since.

As we drove home and continued to pray, we felt nudged to consider collecting warm clothes for these kids. After much prayer and agreement, we set out to do so this last fall (2011). In August, my dad was diagnosed with terminal recurrent esophageal cancer. All of a sudden, the best laid plans were scattered across my basement. September and the first part of October flew by with days devoted to my dad and my family…God was so good to us as it was the smallest amount of donations we had ever received after putting out a call. It was as if He held back the gates, in His grace and mercy. He truly does know our limits! When I finally called the school in November, guess what?

For the first time, they were completely clothed! It was an unexpected blessing that principal couldn’t believe. I had talked with her in June and she knew of our plans, but now, she couldn’t take the clothes not needing them. So I sat back and scratched my head…what to do? As you can see, we had received a sizeable amount in trying to stay steadfast. The clothes were beautiful and in incredible shape. We had mounds of coats, mittens, hats, snow pants, and so on. Jeans, sweatshirts, t-shirts, and dresses. As sad as I felt that we weren’t able to help that school, my heart rejoiced for them that God had made that happen…in a way, answering the prayer of our hearts even though we couldn’t step up to the plate the way we had hoped.

So fast forward through Christmas, we called all of the local schools and found out there was need here in South Lyon. We delivered what was needed, but still had more…I talked with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan again and she suggested two schools. One kept sticking out in my mind.

Fast forward to this cold morning…on my email comes a note from another FBF member asking if she could call some places to see if we could get these wonderful clothes out to warm others. She had gotten up this morning and while thanking God for a warm home, thought “Let’s do this!” After a couple of phone calls, the doors opened to a school in Flint. They were very excited and said in desperate need…500 students.

So down to the basement we went…

Bagged up all the clothes…

As you can see, there are lots…

Boots, hats, mittens…

It took us about an hour, and after packing the car incredibly tight, we headed north. I actually had to shove the door down in order to get it to close. We really wanted to make one trip! By the way, we filled most of our Flex, which is a good size vehicle! Thanks to all that brought us clothing.

When we came off of the highway, we began to see homes with windows boarded up…

As we drove down the street, this is what we saw…

Here is the neighborhood on one side of the street from the school. The homes didn’t look too terrible…some were missing windows. As we turned the corner, we saw more homes tattered and plastic over missing window panes…and then,

We came around to the backside of the school. Every other home was boarded up, but still being lived in. It was more than a little shocking. Literally, across the street from the school. It hit home, the pang again, of those on hard times and in need.

I parked in a parking lot that contained both beater cars and then Lexuses and Cadillacs–a strange mix. Mary ran into the school while Josh and I stayed with the car. I snapped some photos and watched as people pulled up behind our car. One woman came to tell me that she had parked right behind me and would be inside for just 10 minutes. I told her no problem. She had to have been some child’s grandma.

Mary popped out a door that was right in front of us, and we began to unload the car. We filled ended up filling a janitor’s closet and another room with the big bags of clothing. As I came to open the back of the Flex, this grandma had followed me out to head back to her car. When the door opened, she exclaimed, “Is that for the school?!” I smiled and said, “Yes, we brought some warm clothes.” She just stood there shaking her head. She told me that this year there were so many, many kids in need of warm clothing…how grateful she was and the parents would be! She kept thanking me as we continued to unload, and then was gone. It always seems that God places somebody in my path to let me know that what we do is indeed needed and important…

As I walked through the hallways, I was so glad God had opened up the doors for us to help this school. The families, many of the families, are struggling. The neighborhood…whew, it is tough! And the staff, so eager to help in any way that they can. You could see their concern and love. Of the 500 kids, probably close to 98% of them qualify for a lunch paid by our federal government. Ninety-six (96) of them take home back-packs with food for the weekend, because you guessed it, there is no food at home. (Can’t wait to share with you about the back-pack program in the months ahead!)

So why am I sharing all of this with you? Because this is what I saw today. It occurred to me that through the lens of my camera, and maybe with some of these words, I can help you to see what lies right outside of our own backyards. This school was literally 45 minutes from my house. It was a stone’s throw off of I-475, not far from my old stomping grounds, UM-Flint. It is an area that is very transient. These people move often, and while you may find yourself grappling with compassion for adult choices…today, every day, there are kids being impacted…by many choices, including yours and mine. Today, these kids were impacted all because a cold morning put the heat on us to find someone in need of warm clothes. Their day, and days ahead, will be warmly impacted by our choices. Just as choosing to see them is yours…

As we waited in the doorway of the cafeteria for the parent coordinator, there was probably 100 kids in the lunch room awaiting dismissal. Their eyes watched us, wondering what those bags held…who were we? Their eyes followed us as we crossed the lunchroom to her office. While I truly don’t want any praise for what was done, that was all God’s work…all we did was a little bit of bagging and driving…those kids will know, come Monday morning, what was brought. They have faces to go with those clothes. They will know that someone cared…that you and I care. They will feel God’s love as they pull on a sweatshirt, take home a pair of boots, and slide into a pair of jeans that actually fits. Our hands and feet can make all the difference to a child.

Last year, we received several thank you’s after visiting that original school in Flint. I want to share two of them with you:

“Dear Families Building Faith,

I would like to thank the Families Building Faith for my Easter basket. I was so amazed! No one has ever done anything like that for me. I think that all of you are angels, and may God bless all of you.” [Emphasis mine, written by a 6th grade young man]

“Dear Families Building Faith,

Thank you for the Easter baskets Because if it wasn’t for y’all I would not have had a big Basket full of candy, books and other things. And when I got home I shared it with the whole family. Thanks for the basket and we hope you come see us again.” [Again, emphasis mine, because we heard this in every grade level…their desire to share it with those at home]

Please consider joining us in prayer that God bring us enough items to make baskets to help both of these schools. Please pray that God continue to open our eyes with compassion for the young, the orphans and the hungry. Please pray that we never become hardened by the amount of need, but that we turn to Him, trusting that through Him, even our smallest efforts–whether deeds, actions or kind words–can help another see and feel His unending love and mercy. It is a big prayer, but I know, with all my heart, that what is impossible for man is possible with God!

“They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.” Isaiah 61:4

Easter Basket Collection 2012

Posted on January 15, 2012 by washingmywindows

“O Lord, be gracious to us; we have waited for You. Be their arm every morning, our salvation also in the time of trouble.” ~Isaiah 33:2

For the last seven years, Families Building Faith and the Murphy household have joined forces to bring Easter baskets to children and adults in need. It started out with a small hope of meeting the needs of our local food bank, but in God’s plan, it has become so much more.

We have been blessed by God’s great provision through the support of our wonderful community, and the many others, to be able to take baskets throughout the metro-Detroit area…all the way north to Flint, west to Brighton and Howell, and all sorts of parts of Detroit. I am always humbled deeply for it is truly by God’s provision…we have very limited funds that we put towards Easter baskets and candy, and somehow He stretches even that! The rest shows up on our doorstep by hearts moved by God…

For the last two years, we have been eclipsing 2,000 items going out each Easter. Our goal is to make beautiful baskets and when we can no longer achieve that standard, we move to the next phase…making Easter bags and tying them to stuffed animals. From there, we continue down until we reach bags of candy tied to Beanie babies that go out to the homeless and those in nursing homes. On average, we send out over 1,500 baskets for children and about 300-400 for adults. The rest of the numbers are our odds and ends. Again, I must give God the glory and the credit for I have no real grasp on how we are able to achieve it.

For many years, God has blessed with help and volunteers outside of FBF’s membership. We are visited, supported and work side by side with families who want to serve the Lord, those who want to do good, small church groups, preschools, Girl Scout troops, Boy Scout troops, businesses, seniors and so on. It is an incredible the diversity of talents, energy and steadfastness that God brings to this project. I have been in awe to accidentally catch, a much-to-young-at-heart woman, whose body had aged with time, climbing onto my front porch to drop off two beautiful tea cups. She had broken both hips years before and was afraid of steps. Determined to be a part, she got down on her knees and climbed up my two porch steps to place what she had, and no longer was using, at our doorstep.

There are so many stories of people moved from miles away, from houses down the street, who have wanted to be a part of helping a child or an adult feel special. There are equally as many stories of parents, single adults, and children touched by the grace of the faithful. I hope to share some of those stories here…over the next couple of months. But this, right now, is a way for me to share what God does for those whose hearts are so in need of His love…click on the blue line to watch the video below and consider joining us this 2012 in being His hands and feet!

Families Building Faith’s Easter Basket Collection Video…enjoy!

“Then justice will dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness remain in the fruitful field. The work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quiet and assurance forever. My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting placings, though hail comes down on the forest, and the city is brought low in humiliation.

Blessed are you who sow besides all waters, who send out freely from the feet of the ox and the donkey.” ~Isaiah 32:16-20

How it feels for many this Christmas…

Posted on December 19, 2011 by washingmywindows

I read this article today and thought I would share. The link is down below. It represents well what we saw over the weekend as Mark, Josh and I went to Hope United Methodist Church to help with their Christmas outreach. The numbers of those in need doubled from 200 families to over 350 since last year.

Pam, the missions chair and dear friend, asked me to help pray with those who were willing. What I heard from so many was the need for a job. Many of them had been employed, but with the economic downtown, they had lost their job and their worlds were turned upside down. One woman with four children was desperate for a job, and her landlord was allowing her to stay rent-free while his rental property is beginning to go into foreclosure. She was literally praying for and receiving a dollar from here and there to survive on. The men…oh, the men…to be without a job, to not be able to provide in the way that society deems worthy…they were so broken in spirit.

What startled me the most was the drastic increase in the number of those battling serious illness. We’ve seen a few in the past, but this time there were so many battling cancer. Ovarian, breast, prostate, and oh, so many others. All this did was to solidify what we learned at the craft shows for my dad’s jewelry…it is unbelievable the number of younger and relatively healthy people being brought to their knees in weeks…all too often to be gone before anyone had a chance to breathe. For the first time, I saw men and women donning the surgical masks illustrating all too clearly how sick they were. Yet, their need for food brought them out.

The hallway was overwhelmed with people, in part because it was too small to hold all that came, but also because many heard of what Hope was doing and decided to wait in hopes that maybe there would be a box left over for them. There were small children clinging to their parents; teens looking angry and bewildered (yet, sometimes their faces would soften when they heard voices that were encouraging, non-judgmental and warm); and so many who struggled to hold your eyes as a look of shame crossed over their faces. At times, it was hard to not be overwhelmed by their pain and fear, but they are His…He loves them as much as He loves any one of us. And they so needed to know His love through our love, kindness and smiles…

“For God does not show favoritism.” ~Romans 2:11

What I hear from others, sometimes, is the temptation to blame others for their circumstances. In court, you’ll often find the victim being questioned as if they were at fault for what the accused has done. Occasionally I even hear it in this line of work, without the person speaking really knowing the facts of an individual’s case (generalizations are the best in making something seem valid)…”well, if they would work at McDonald’s”…let me tell you that the vast majority would be willing to take whatever job they can find. Even as I stood in Target today, the cashier talked about how Target had hired a bunch of workers so that they could take them all down to 15 hours…no benefits and guess what, small paychecks. It is not so easy, folks… And for those who make the argument against those who are making bad, or not so good, decisions…beautifully, this weekend many of those who were struggling with their own choices, willingly confessed that to this prayer team asking for prayers to help them live better, more holy lives. They, too, want change…

“Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.” ~Leviticus 19:15

As I prayed, I found that they all needed to hear that they are special; not in a superficial quick string of words, but with the Holy Spirit’s tender direction and reach. They needed to hear that they have been designed by God with a purpose and a gift not just to benefit them, but to help others. Time and time again, under their breath, I heard them thank God and rejoice in that reminder. They needed prayer reassuring them that even if financial prosperity doesn’t return to them in 2012, God is still here, He won’t forsake them, and He is making ways ahead of them for their needs. They spanned all ages. I talked with small children from as young as 4 to grown-ups who appeared to be in their 90’s. Couples came in together holding onto each other with their eyes as well as their hands, families–often with only one parent, and many, many single men and women joined together to pray with us even though they did not know one another.

So as we make our final preparations this Christmas week, please remember the blessings you have truly been given. And remember that we are in the midst of a “Great Recession” that is impacting way more people than you realize. You don’t have to go across the world to the fields of another country; just look in your own backyard. The stories in this article tell it all too well, and even better than I can. I hope you’ll take a moment to read their stories and remember them all in your prayers…for it is just not here in the metro-Detroit area, but all over the cities and fields of this great land.

Stories that need to be heard…please click to read

“The Peter began to speak: ‘I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.'” ~Acts 10:34-35

Christmas Sweet Treat Collection 2011

Posted on December 13, 2011 by washingmywindows

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.” ~Romans 12:6

“If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. Love must be sincere.” ~Romans 12:6

Thanks to all who diligently baked, got in a cold car and dropped off these goodies!Thanks especially to my gifted sister, Robin, her husband, Leo, and the rest of our family for using their time and gifts to love, serve and benefit others who are so in need of feeling special and loved this Christmas season!!

Mary and I are off to deliver two carloads worth of toys, baked goods and clothing to Brown’s Ministries, a Christian mission, in the Cass Corridor who faithfully serves the low-income families and street people of Detroit. More pictures likely to come…

“The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.” ~Burton Hills

A praise that just has to be shared

Posted on November 23, 2011 by washingmywindows

I received a call from my sister, Robin, yesterday afternoon. A co-worker of hers and Ortonville’s Senior Center decided earlier this year that they wanted to do something for Families Building Faith. So they did a fundraiser and then took the proceeds along with their coupons and bought a ton of feminine products for those in need. They diligently waited for sales and stretched out their funds to raise over $700 worth of these type of items.

It really touched my heart that they would do this in honor of FBF and for those women in need. The homeless women in Detroit (and everywhere) grapple with this issue each month. I know these organizations will be touched and thrilled with this gift this holiday season! Robin said her car is packed full 🙂 Faye, if you are reading this…thank you! God seems to perfectly time when we need encouragement to keep persevering in helping those in need…so thank you for letting Him guide you.

Washing My Windows

A glimpse at a life God's changing

Category Archives: Families Building Faith