Sunday, November 20, 2011

Use God’s Gifts To Help

“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.”

-- 1 Chronicles 29:14

How much money do you have? Do you have enough to meet your needs? Do you struggle to provide for your family? Do you willingly share what you have with those in need or do you keep your money close and save it for yourself?

At the end of his life, David gave his personal fortune to be used for building a Temple for God. He inspired others, including the leaders of his people, to give generously to the LORD. David was amazed that they had so much to give back to God. It was because God had been so generous with them.

The other day SARCOA kicked off its annual Santa for Seniors program. The website has a 97-page list of numbers (instead of names) of needy seniors. It lists things that they want. They don’t ask for computers or books or pretty jewelry. They want food, depends, ensure, warm socks, new underwear. One woman, who is all alone, just wants a pretty wrapped present to open on Christmas morning.

The stories will break your heart. And remind you of how fortunate and blessed you really are. Go look for yourselves. The site is open to anyone. There’s just something so sad about a person who struggles to have what most of us see as basic necessities in life.

The ones that hit me the hardest are the elderly citizens who are alone. They have no family, or at least none that care. One woman I know delivers meals to the homebound. She tells stories of how they beg her to come inside and visit. She’s the only person they see sometimes for days and days. And, for some, that meal is the only food they’ll get that day.

I looked at that list and ended up “adopting” two of the names on it. I hope others will pitch in too. But I just couldn’t turn away. I mean, really, how hard is it to pick up an extra package of toilet paper at the store? Surely I can find money for a warm sweater or a package of depends.

So I’ll ask you again: How much money do you have? There’s some senior citizens in our area who could really use a helping hand.