Part of my job at CrossRoads Church is to sift through all the ideas, suggestions, and requests that come through the Communications Department. Admittedly, I had put this one off. It had been a full week, I felt a pretty drained, it looked a bit long, and I had a few emergency items to tackle. Look at me, making excuses. In a moment when I found myself caught up and a minute to breathe, I decided I should click the last email with a blue unread mark. Anything to get that annoying last "unread" notification off my screen.
It was prefaced with a “hope to encourage”. And as I started to read, I had no idea what was coming next…
I was nothing short of speechless!
If you know me, that doesn't happen often. And besides, sitting alone in my home, I have no one to talk to anyways - but even if I did, I am not sure I would have known what to say! All I could think was, "Wow! How could one person really do so much?"
The cliche saying "it only takes one" came to mind. One person really CAN make a difference; one person who isn’t afraid to simply just do it.
You can’t tell me you aren’t encouraged and inspired after reading Kim’s story:
I have been putting my sewing skills to work in several ways....I have been making masks to send to my sister, her family, and coworkers. She works on the frontlines in Kings County, Washington State, one of the earliest hardest hit areas for Covid-19. When your sister's life is at risk, love and fear are huge motivators to do all you can to help save her. The plan is to send 20 masks, then work on providing locally: 13 down, 7 to go!
Pastor Tracy sent me the link to the Mustard Seed's request for Isolation Gowns. I have asked our Small Group for Sheets, as Fabricland is closed. This may be something that could be a Community Request. As I have said before, "If God owns the cattle on a thousand hills, then he also owns an awful lot of fabric." The fabric is out there...it just needs to be brought forward. There are those with sheets & duvet covers, those who can cut, and those who can sew. Together, we could provide MANY isolation gowns for the Mustard Seed throughout Alberta. We should do some planning!
I am also creating a couture Grad gown for a little gal who attends Mamawe Ataskowin Cree School, north of Ponoka. Her Grad may be cancelled, but the gown WILL be finished, as per her design. It is a project of pure joy and a huge honour to be a part of.
Lastly, as I thought about the Seniors who are in Lockdown, my concern is so great for their mental health. Without the ability to leave or have visitors, it would be so lonely. In some long-term care facilities, they are only allowed to leave their rooms for meals, making it a virtual prison. God's call was so strong on my heart. I made up 2 dozen large Easter Eggs, and covered them with Quotes and Good Wishes to help keep them strong. I shared this with our Small Group, and one family blessed the residents at Villa Marie with their Easter Eggs.
At first I was going to just tape them onto windows, but contacted Collegeside Gardens to let them know what I wanted to do. After telling Darlene my plan, her response blew me away. "Do you know what an answer to prayer you are?! I had been speaking to our Pastor just this morning about needing to do something for the Residents for Easter, but we have neither the time nor resources to do so.
Darlene made me bawl and bawl.
There are 100 rooms at Collegeside Gardens. Ultimately, they would like to give an Easter Egg to everyone. THIS was a job for little hearts and little hands! I contacted Pastor Tammy to spread the word for kids to drop off Easter Eggs in a box outside our home. The next day I was talking to a friend who works for the Red Deer Public Library in the Children's Department, and she is spreading the word, too. She let a friend who is a coordinator for The Pines Community Association know, and she is spreading the word!!! (To ensure everyone’s safety, all eggs are disinfected before being sent to the Senior’s buildings)
This was a huge step into Faith...Excited to see what happens!
Chronic Depression has been my nemesis for decades. Doing good to others is the most proactive, necessary medicine to keep me from falling into a deep pit. I hope that folks will be inspired to turn their gaze outwards and find something meaningful for them to engage in, to provide joy to themselves and others.
The age-old wisdom, “it is better to give than to receive” is alive and well. In a simple few deliveries I have made to friend’s doors, I was reminded of this truth. In reading Kim’s efforts, I am inspired by it. “Doing good to others is the most proactive, necessary medicine…” PERIOD! We are called to love our neighbour; that whatever we do for our brothers and sisters, we do for the King (Matthew 25).
Kim has used her gift and passion, creatively, for sewing. What creative way can I, can you, love our neighbours? How can we have open hands?
If you have sheets, sewing skills, or the ability to wash, cut, or pin, you can partner with Kim in sewing your own facemasks or gowns for delivery. You can donate to CrossRoads Cares. You can say "Hi" to your neighbour as you pass by. You can drop off baking, flowers, chocolate, or a heartfelt card to a friend. You can make a facetime call....
If you have other creative ideas, I encourage you to go for it! No act of love is too small.
