In the weeks weeks leading up to Thanksgiving and the holidays most of us begin to take stock of the blessings in our lives. We recognize that even in a time of economic uncertainty, there is much to be grateful for. At this time we have a tendency to want to reach out and help others less fortunate; to give a little more of ourselves and provide a small glimmer of hope for others.
Providing a Thanksgiving feast for a hungry family, or organizing a toy drive during the holiday season are simple things that we can do to help our friends and neighbors who have fallen on hard times. A nice warm meal served on a Holiday will undoubtedly be appreciated, but is it enough? Are we forgetting that there are 363 days that aren't Thanksgiving and Christmas?
This year I challenge each and every AR member to dig just a little bit deeper, and to find additional ways to pitch in and be of service to those in your community and around the world. Make a commitment in 2009 to provide help on a year round basis, not just during the holidays.
During the past year and one-half that I've been involved with Active Rain, I've read a number of posts from AR members who have gone over and above in the service of others. These are people who have demonstrated commitment to their causes over a period of time and who are examples of what it truly means to be charitable.
While my list is in no way complete, and there are many, many more who are deserving of a mention, these are the women that I have come to admire.
These are the women who I have seen demonstrate love, compassion and a sincere desire to make the world a better place on an ongoing basis. These are the women who inspire me.
Terri Visser - Life in the Managua Dump
"Rocky" Turner (Jeff Turner's wife) - Mothers Fighting For Others
Julie Ferenzi - Mothers Fighting For Others
Elizabeth Nieves - Everything I Know I Learned From the Children of Ecuador (Part II of III)
Chris Fisher - Children of Grace - Today is a Happy Day
Kelly Wiley - Florida Keys Children's Shelter Open House
Mary Pope-Handy - Web Women Giving Circle Looking For Recruits To Raise Awareness & Dollars for CARE
I also came across two Active Rain Groups that focus on giving and service to others. There are probaby quite a few more and I encourage you to post them below in the comments section.
I challenge each and every one of you to make a commitment to address the Other 363 Days this year. To put in a little more time, to make a more concentrated and sustained effort, and tighten your belts and give until it hurts.
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Kelly that's so nice of you to do a post on helping. Today I heard of a minister in Oakland, CA, who was organizing food donations every other week and he mentioned that donations are down because the economy is a little tough. His response was to say "if you can just feed ONE person, just one...and if everyone can do that...the lines at the food banks will go way down...." It was a good point. Sometimes whatever we do feels like such a drop in the bucket but collectively we can do great things.
Happy Thanksgiving :)