Christmas Angels

Life is strange. I met a person before Christmas. A single, struggling Mother. The Lord laid her very heavy on my heart. I went out on a limb and asked her to send me a list of sizes, etc. and that I was going to try to rally some friends and family and help her with Christmas. For a couple of days I asked around. "Anybody want to donate to the cause? I have a family I want to help and would appreciate any assistance." I managed to "fund raise" about $10 dollars. Yes, TEN dollars.

I went to a friend's Christmas party. There is a game we play every year and each person plays $3 per game and we usually play twice. Before we started the game, I made an announcement about the family God had place on my heart. This woman standing beside me said she only brought enough to play the game, but she would send me something the following week for the family. Oddly enough, she won the game. She is standing there with a wad of one dollar bills and she hands it to me and says "use this for the children". I was stunned. I was grateful. We played another round, minus a few friends, and the person who won round two also donated the winnings to the children. I was overwhelmed and a little teary eyed. With my original $10 and the winnings from the game, I had $175 to share with this family. AND, there was discussion of choosing a family every year and doing the same thing. Think about it. Only $6 per person and in a short time gathered enough money to make a difference for this family. I was humbled and I was proud.

I told my daughter about wanting to help this family. She works at an eye Dr.'s office. She said they had intended to do the Angel Tree, but when they finally went they were all gone. She told the people in her office about this family and to say they came through is an understatement. Some of Trina's other family members also donated gifts. I gave them the list of sizes, etc. and they went to work. This mother asked for socks, underwear, jeans, shoes.....basics. Very little mention of specific "toys" and nothing expensive.

I was the vessel. Those who were at the party and those who Trina spoke with...they were the force behind it. I was not in any position to just handle it. I had to ask for help. The smile on the mother's face, the hugs she gave me. They were incredible. My heart was full and I am so proud of all who helped. Besides the gift card for $175, my trunk was completely full of both wrapped and unwrapped presents for the children. I was the one who received the greatest gift that day. May sound corny, but you know what they say....the truth is stranger than fiction.

Life is hard, but life is good. Much love.