in your community and support it generously with your time and money.

As we look at other nations and foreigners to help, sometimes we fail to see that family or person who lives just down the street that needs help far more than even them. A child down the block or across the street may stand in need of a coat or a new pair of shoes. The elderly may need food or companionship. So before you write a check and ship it off to help someone you don’t know, take a minute and ask who could use my help even more? Is there anyone in my town or that I know going hungry or stand in need?

Where can I help? Your local church is a good place to start. Church’s and Community Centers usually have a food pantry or some type of outreach program that could use some help, yours and mine.  If not, start one. It’s never time wasted, when it’s for a good cause.  Volunteer.

It’s not a secret that when I was a young girl, my mother worked hard and long hours to support her five children, as a single parent, so she was gone a lot and there were times that we did without. One of my favorite memories is when the church came to our house and brought food and gifts at Christmastime. It was the main reason I became a Christian. It impressed me that they thought that much of my mom to help her. I know how much she appreciated and was humbled by it. She later became a Missionary Lady. For years she then helped others. I then wanted to help others too, as they had helped my mom. The rewards far outweigh the sacrifice.

Be there for someone who may only need help for a short time, God will richly bless you for it.

On the street I saw a small girl shivering in a thin dress, with little hope of a decent meal. I became angry and said to God, Why do You permit this? Why don’t You do something about it?” And God replied, “I certainly did do something about it. I made you.” ~ SISTER MARY ROSE McGREADY