There’s no doubt that our economy is the worst it has been in a very long time and the news channels are busy reporting on failed businesses, lost jobs, and foreclosed homes. Just like the Iraq war, the economic turmoil seems far away until you are directly affected. Or is that just me? I am blessed to serve as Executive Director of Candle Wishes, a non-profit ministry that provides birthday gifts and basic needs to less fortunate children. Through this ministry, I’m confronted with the poverty in our community and the effects of this economy on real people who struggle daily to provide for basic needs.
Candle Wishes received some press a few weeks ago about our combined December/January birthday party at Belle Aire Baptist Church for the families of children in need.
I received an e-mail from a mother who saw the short article in the paper. She wasn’t a donor or volunteer, people I normally communicate with through e-mail, but someone in desperate need with no one to help. She is a loving stay-at-home mom of a 14 year old boy whose life was turned upside down when her husband left her and their son with nothing but bills. Her son’s 15th birthday was yesterday- a birthday and Christmas I’m sure will be burned in his memory. As someone who normally provides for her son, she courageously asked me to help.
I won’t lie, I thought is this real? Does this family really need help? Then, the Lord gently reminded me that I don’t need to know. He knows and that’s all that matters.
I met them in the McDonald’s parking lot with gifts in hand- pants for school, shoes, a video game, and a gift card for a hair cut. She had told me that his classmates at school teased him because of his hair, but she couldn’t even afford to get it cut. When I mentioned the hair cut certificate, his eyes lit up. She told me that when they get back on their feet, she wants to help with Candle Wishes and serve people in need.
We are all in this journey together. I thank God that He gave me an opportunity to make a difference in the life of this family. It’s an incredible feeling when you are connected with someone in a specific moment and you know it is an impossible coincidence but a divine meeting orchestrated by the One and Only. I encourage you to expect these moments and step out on faith to take action.
Merry Christmas!
