I recently accepted the challenge of leading the personal care drive benefitting a local organization whose mission is to serve survivors of domestic violence. In years past, my P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) group has provided bags with various toiletries and other personal care items for survivors who are escaping abusive situations. To be honest, I was very nervous about leading this project. For two weeks after pledging to head up the fundraiser -- I delayed getting started on it.
I am a busy mom with three young children (ages 5, 4, and 9 months old). Between T-ball practice, school events, maintaining our home, helping my dad with doctors’ appointments, and my own personal commitments to P.E.O., another project to complete seemed overwhelming. Moreover, I am also an emergency room nurse with a very busy work schedule. It is truly a blessing to have such an incredibly fulfilling life with many to love and care for. My plate is full!
Despite all these things, I hear God daily asking me to be open to opportunities to serve Him. I frequently find myself telling my husband at the end of the day, “I feel tapped out!” This new challenge was only a reminder to me that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) What started out as a project that could have drained more energy from me actually filled my spiritual cup. Having a full spiritual cup seems to contain more energy than a full night of sleep!
I am so thankful God led me to jump out of my comfort zone. When I promised to take on this project, I raised my hand without any thought. It just “felt right”—and I am so glad that I did! In doing so, I witnessed a living example of God’s provision.
The air finally cleared of enough of the personal obligations detaining me. On February 17th, I reached out to the supervisor of the organization to ask if there were any specific needs our personal care drive could provide.
Thrilled that I had called, she told me about an annual event the organization was hosting for their clients in just a few days. Each February, Valentine’s Day month, the organization has a special night to honor the incredible women they serve. The women are celebrated, appreciated, and pampered. A local hair salon donates its services to give each of these domestic violence victims a haircut and style. To make it even more special, the sponsoring organization canvasses local businesses to donate gifts for these women. She said they had been abundantly blessed with lovely gifts for each of the attendees -- but desperately needed tote bags in which to place the gifts.
I inquired what kind of tote bags were needed, and she forwarded her organization’s Amazon wish list as well as a flier for the event. On the flier, the deadline of February 18th for donations was listed. That was the next day! I had contacted her just in time to serve her need!
Some might say “what a coincidence” or “she got lucky!” What I know, however, is this was not random nor a coincidence. Rather, it was God working to meet the need at just the right moment! I am deeply touched that He has used me (and my group) to provide an answer to prayer for such a worthy occasion!
And my God will meet all your needs
according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19
