It took courage to reach out to a stranger for help.
A simple “When can you come?” spoke volumes. Then she shared her story.
Yesterday, in the office, we received a note requesting some help. At first glance I thought “this is someone trying to scam us.” No phone number, no address and I almost ignored it. Then I read it again and changed my mind. I reached out and offered to come visit. Within minutes a response
“When can you come?”
I got the address and headed over to visit.
One can never be fully prepared for what such a visit to a stranger might entail and this one struck me to the core. I was met by a young mother of two who had fled a violent situation. As she opened up and shared her story with me I could see how difficult this was for her and how much courage it took for her to reach out to a stranger. Despite her feelings of unworthiness and her fear, she was concerned mostly for her children and the reality that they had left everything behind – their clothes, their toys, boots. Socks and underwear were what they really needed she told me. After some more conversation I connected her with Transition House and Maggie’s Place and then began a list. I was able to give her a gift card for some basic groceries and left her with the promise that I would return sometime over the next couple of days with the things that they needed.
I returned to the office and immediately sent out an email to the congregation. Throughout the morning things began streaming in – boots, coats, jeans, t-shirts, stuffies, books, socks, underwear, mittens. Calls and texts from folks wanting to know if they could use this or that and some with questions about the mother’s size so that they could get things for her as well. This morning I filled my trunk and the back seat and headed out to make this special delivery. As you can imagine, this young woman was overwhelmed and beyond grateful. The children, now in school, will return home to a treasure trove and, in her words, “They will be out of their minds!”
There are two things that come to mind for me as I reflect on these past two days. First of all, I am thankful that I rethought my response to the request for help. In doing so I was able to enter into another story. I was touched by this young woman’s courage, humility, tenderness and, once again, my being has been changed. Secondly, I am thankful for my faith family whose generosity and commitment to love is immediate and unwavering. We might disagree and sometimes we get bogged down in the day to day concerns about keeping our church doors open but at our core, we are the hands and feet of Jesus.
May we never loose sight of what it means to touch the world with love and do as Jesus would have done.
Blessings
Valerie