This time last year we were in an awful situation.. It was so bad I didn't know some days how I was going to even provide for the kids basic needs.
It's horrible to have to ask for help, and honestly as grateful as I was for the help from various family and friends, inside I felt so ashamed...
From the outside looking in, we should have had it all together. Husband has a job, we have a home etc., but people do NOT realize how expensive it is to just live day to day.
The holiday season is usually one of two things for others.
Amazing, joyous, and magical, full of friends, family, gift-giving and great food.
Or.
It is stressful, horrible budgeting, wondering what will have to be sacrificed just so children can feel special and wondrous, with a warm home and full bellies and maybe a few gifts and extras that somehow, somewhere, parents always manage to pull off, but it is not without tears, prayers, and worry, and debt.
No the holidays isn't about what you can get, but everyone knows that every child should be able to have something for Christmas, and a meal.
This isn't about welfare, or charity..
This is about the TRUE meaning of Christmas.
This is about coming together as neighbors, friends and family and being there for one another and showing love and joy to each other.
Sometimes I say things on here that I often delete or think about.
Esp if I have a blessing that may look like I am lucky, but honestly not many know the extensive struggles my family has endured over the years, but even so, I sometimes remove things, just because I do not know who is struggling with something and maybe who would be hurt by my happiness and joy..
Not intentionally, but if you know what I am talking about, then I don't have to say anything more about this.
And when you are desperate, it's hard to not feel bitter at someones blessings.
People can be so petty.
If people struggle it doesn't mean that they don't deserve to have cable, or internet, or that once a week treat that they give their families, because often times, that one thing is the only extra someone has, and honestly, having nothing to look forward to is a horrible thing, especially for children.
I guess what I am trying to say is be gracious.
No you don't have to donate your money to charity, or volunteer somewhere (that would be awesome but still) that you don't really have the times or means for.
I really think that if everyone could look around to someone they know, and bestow the smallest kindness whether it be a loaf of bread, an invite to dinner, taking out the trash for a disabled neighbor, a Christmas card with even 5 dollars in it, and really pass it on, I know this year we could really make a difference in our own circles and communities.
Maybe that single mom could use those old clothes in the back of your closet, or that dad could use a little help with a group playdate.
Maybe those kids outside could use a hot cup of cocoa, or an extra casserole to give to their family on a cold day.
One of my favorite and horribly cheap ways I like to put a smile on faces is at the discount store.
The stupid quarter for a cart thing,where you have to pay to have a grocery cart.
Next time, give it away for free.
Always.
Those extra sets of gloves in your underwear drawer could def be used for that man on the corner huddled around his once a day cup of coffee.
Talking to someone who just needs to be heard is an amazing thing.
Taking a few bucks to buy a simple toy for the 4 kids next store who you just KNOW are desperate for love but you don't really know could help..
I could go on and on but be creative.
Don't let fear and pride keep you from being a blessing to someone else, no matter how small, because honestly, I have been there, and I remember the little kindnesses that I received really got me through some of the darkest times I can remember.
Don't just celebrate the holidays, don't just buy gifts and gloat about how you outdid this one and that.
BE the true meaning of Christmas.
And remember, we are all in need in someway, and that one person who you helped out no matter how small, could be the one thing that God uses to bless you when you need it the most.
Above all, be THANKFUL.
This year, for the first time I can remember, I have actually enjoyed the holiday season stress free.
It wasn't done easily.
I have had so many people bless my family in the past that it is difficult for me to enjoy my blessings without a heavy heart, because I remember all too well that horrible feeling of desperation, not just at Christmas, but all year, for many years, and I am thankful because without that, I would not have known what it truly means to be a family, a mom, a strong wife, and ultimately a humble woman dependent on God for every single thing I needed, and without that, I would never know the compassion I feel when I realize how many hurting people are always around me.
If I could, I would start a organization for people around me..
My own community, neighbors, friends and family, that I could bless and help even if it's just a cup of coffee and a person to cry with.
Don't just look for the best deals, or stress over that one hot ticket item to give this year, but if you do, always remember to please keep in mind what the true spirit of Christmas means, and I ask each of you to reach out in some way to someone who needs a little bit of hope and help this year..
I keep stressing that it really has nothing to do with money.
It has to do with compassion, hope, and love...
Show love.
Be love.
And never forget that someone, somewhere, is begging for a miracle, and just maybe, that miracle could be you..
Pass it on always.
On behalf of my family, I pray that you all have a very blessed and warm holiday season, and that you remember that time when someone was that miracle for you as well.
God just isn't in the wind, or the blessings.
He isn't just in the bank account, when somehow you managed to pull off rent this month.
He isn't just in the family love, or the warmth of a safe home.
He isn't just in the huge miracle of health, or prosperity.
God is in that dirty homeless guy who is creepily begging for change on the corner.
God is in the noisy family next door, who you suspect have a drug problem and neglected children.
God is in that elderly neighbor, who hunches while walking to get her mail.
God is in your estranged loved one, who no one really likes but drinks every night begging God to help him out of the place they are in, but is too ashamed to ask for help.
God is in every single dirty, cast off, welfare recipient, drug dependent, poor, desperate soul that you see and pass bye.
He is in you, me, and every person He has created.
God didn't send His Son to the Plaza, or to a mansion, or to a certain grade of people to be born.
He sent his Son to a lowly manger, dirty, cold and dark.
He sent Him to every dark place that most of us avoid.
God didn't just come to save the well dressed on Sundays.
He came to everyone, because we are all in darkness.
That is the true miracle of Christmas, and it can never be bought, or sold, but it was given to us for free, and without taxes, strings, or because we worked hard for it.
Just think about it.
xoxo
