As I sit here with my littlest cuddle bear, my heart is aching and heavy over the brokenness of our world. It’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle and ignore what is going on outside of our own little bubble. Maybe it’s because there’s brokenness and pain happening within my own family this holiday season or maybe it’s because my perspective has shifted since becoming a mother, but I just can’t ignore what’s happening outside my walls. I know this is a lot different from what I usually share on here, but I can’t keep quiet about this. People are hurting and in need of a Savior. I’m so thankful for the hope I have in Christ during this time of turmoil, and all the time, so I am praying fervently that He would send his comfort to those all over the world who are in need. It got me thinking about how my little family of four can make a difference. Here are some practical ways that I came up with to look outside of my own four walls to make a difference this holiday season, in our world, our nation, my city, and my own home.
Our world:
These are specific to helping those who are currently hurting in Aleppo.
Our nation:
- Donate to the Salvation Army in your local area
- Volunteer/Donate/Give blood to the American Red Cross
- Write letters to the troops (I have linked an example of one organization who collects letters and send them to the troops but there are many others!)
Your City:
- Find local shelters where you can donate small items, canned food, or your time
- Organize a trash clean up at a local park or beach
- Visit a local nursing home
Your Home:
To me this is the most important place to make a difference, it all starts here.
- Inform yourself by staying in touch with what’s going on in our world and research the ways you can help that best fit you and your family
- Talk about it, obviously you have to cautious with how much you share about things depending on your children’s ages. For Elouise, whose almost 2, we are focusing on teaching her to be thankful for what we have and talk about how there are people in the world who are sad and hurt that we need to help take care of. As she grows we can take those foundations and expand on them.
- Give back by donating gently used toys and clothes that are excess in your home. We have SO much, so we will be going through what we have in order to give back to others that are in need. This is a concept that even my 21 month old can comprehend, so it’s never to early to include them!
- PRAY! If you do nothing else, at least do this. You literally can pray at any time, it doesn’t have to be a big to-do or production. Just offer up some words while you are doing the dishes, changing a diaper, or driving. We like to include Elouise when we pray, although right now she doesn’t have a huge attention span. We mostly include her in prayers before we eat and before bed, in fact she reminds us if we forget.
I am in no way claiming to be an expert here, and these are not the only ways to make a difference. I am simply sharing with you the things I found as I was searching for practical ways to help in each of these areas. What are some way that you and your family give back? I’d love to hear how you are making a difference!
