A Thanksgiving Challenge

It's 2013. You'd think we'd have this whole thing figured out, but it's pretty much a jumbled mess. In our own community, we have a growing population of the homeless (some families with children), the food-insecure and hungry, and those who are trying really, really hard to support their family on their own, but just need someone to stand in the gap.

Everyone needs help this time of year.

I'm not necessarily talking about monetarily either. Have you ever noticed an elderly person trying to do their grocery shopping in the hustle and bustle of the season? Some of them have a totally overwhelmed look on their face, their lack of mobility making it difficult for them to even get down the aisle, much less complete their list.  All the while, capable adults are ramming each other's shopping carts, chewing each other out, and fighting over the last item on the shelf.

Do you see the problem?

I have a challenge for everyone who reads this. SHINE YOUR LIGHT this season. Here are some ways you can help, some specific to our community:

1. Bake some bread for a shut-in you know, and just visit with them for a minute.

Here's the recipe:

http://danicasdaily.com/brown-sugar-banana-nut-bread-recipe/

2. Offer to help with their Thanksgiving grocery shopping.

3. Prepare a meal for the homeless. (Contact The Russ Bus for how you can help.)

http://russbus.org/

4. Donate warm coats, hats, and other winter clothing to children in need. (Open Arms is a ministry close to my heart. Contact Amanda.)

https://m.facebook.com/openarmsar?id=230622250402786&_rdr

5. Donate a basket of muffins, breakfast bars, and other goodies to your area Hospice House for the families as they spend valuable time with their loved ones. (I can get you in touch with our local Hospice House.)

http://www.arkansashospice.org/locations.html

6. Say "Hello" and smile at everyone you pass. Okay, so that's a no-brainer, but how often do we do it? Not everyone has the huge family and church support system that I have. You might be the only person who acknowledged them or was kind that day.

7. Help a busy mom or expectant mother. I see the look in the eye of the new mom with a newborn. It's their first holiday season together, and she's overwhelmed. She wants it to be perfect, and there is A LOT to do. How many of you would turn down holding the baby while you help Mama out? That's what I thought. ;)

8. This one's for you couponers. There are always great coupons this time of year. Take advantage of it and donate the items you don't need to a local food bank.

9. Get a jump start on Christmas by addressing some Christmas cards to our troops. The deadline is December 6.

10. Pay it forward. When someone helps you, it's out of the kindness of their heart. The best way to repay them is to pay it forward. If you open your eyes, you will see to the hearts of the people in your everyday interactions, and God will help you recognize their need.

I know their are plenty more ideas than these, some that you may have done in the past. What is your favorite way to shine your light to others? I can't wait to see your comments!

-Sara Grace