"A True Christmas Miracle" (by Hope Kerkof)

The power of God's love can cut through the hardest of hearts. The power of His compassion can restore hope to those who have long ago given up on themselves and society. The power of His mercy and grace can transform an existence into life, restoring dignity and self-worth.

The following link takes you to one of the most compelling stories I have read in a very, very long time, "A True Christmas Miracle" by Hope Kerkof. Them power of God's love, compassion, mercy and grace flow from Hope and Kevin Kerkof into the life of a homeless man, "William".

Grab a handful of Kleenex, you'll need

http://blog.lightunderthebridge.com/2009/12/30/a-true-christmas-miracle.aspx

PLEASE, remember the forgotten at Christmas!

Stock photo, not necessarily depicting homeless in VA.

Dear Friends and Family,

It is hard to believe that 5 years have gone by since Tom and I moved to Martinsville, VA. Even harder to believe is the continual rise in unemployment and poverty in this area.

This region of VA has a rich history rooted in furniture manufacturing including such companies as Hooker, Bassett and Stanley. Martinsville was once known as The Sweatshirt Capital of the World, and was home to America's largest contract embroidery company. Sadly, these companies, along with many others, have either closed altogether or moved their plants out of our country. Martinsville and Henry County are now known for having the highest unemployment rate in the state, currently at 19.7 percent.

Adding to the struggles of the unemployed is the fact that many people have seen their electric bills double within the last 5 years due to Appalachian Power Co. rate hikes. Unemployed and underemployed people simply lack the funds to adequately heat their homes. Yet, they are the lucky ones – at least in the eyes of the homeless here; earlier this year, Martinsville’s homeless shelter closed its doors.

Though the facts of life are tough for so very many here, the people are some of the finest I’ve met in my life. There is a true sense of community here, the type I used to only here as elders spoke of, “the good old days

when neighbors helped neighbors.” I’ve seen time and time again, people willing to give to others in need when they had virtually nothing to give. You’ve heard of the type of folks who would give you the shirt off of

their backs? These are the type of people I’m proud to say live here.

Local churches and individuals are launching programs to do what they can to assist the people in Martinsville and Henry County. I’m excited to say that Tom and I will be helping as our church begins feeding the homeless and others in need in January. And, recently I began a blanket program to purchase washable wool blend, American made blankets for the homeless and those who cannot afford to adequately heat their homes.

Mother Teresa said, “If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” It is with this philosophy in mind that I am asking those of you who can, to please consider making a donation of $12.66 to purchase one blanket. Should donations exceed the number of blankets needed, 100% of any remaining funds will be used for our church’s meal program.

This has been an extremely tough financial year for most of us. If you are not able to make a donation, would you please add the blanket and meal programs to your daily prayers? That would be a wonderful gift!

God bless,

Donna

Donations can be sent to:

Donna or Tom Pratt

P.O. Box 4669

Martinsville, VA 24115

Please make a notation on your check: Blanket Program

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Do you have " X-Ray" vision?

Some of us are old enough to remember comic books. The comics may not always have been entertaining to me, but the ads contained within, sure were. One of my favorite ads was for x-ray vision glasses,
proclaiming, "...many amazing, astounding, illusionary "X-ray" views are yours to see..." If these glasses had really worked, they would have given us a very different view of the world around us. We could have seen things that people usually kept hidden from our view.

How differently would we treat people if we could "see" what they keep hidden from the world? What if we could see their hurts, their inner pain, their struggles? Well, we can. We don't need a special pair of glasses because the Holy Spirit can reveal those hidden hurts in others if we are truly seeking to help them. While we can't meet every need that every person has, each of us can do something to meet someone's needs. "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you . . ." Acts 3:6

Today, begin praying for God to give you "X-ray" vision. Ask him to reveal those hidden hurts and needs in others. Then, open your heart and listen for the Holy Spirit to move you to compassionately meet those needs.
"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." Galatians 6:10
"He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me." Matthew 25:45




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Finding shelter in God during times of trouble.

"Be good to me, God—and now! I've run to you for dear life. I'm hiding out under your wings until the hurricane blows over." Psalm 57:1 (The Message translation)

If you are a parent, you have probably experienced a time when your child was frightened enough to cling to you for comfort. Sometimes, words are not enough to calm a frightened child. They need to bury their little faces into our chest and feel our reassuring embrace until the upsetting situation passes.

We adults can find ourselves in such despair that, like children, we need to feel the arms of our Father holding us securely. We need to be reassured that everything will be all right.

The next time you find your heart breaking, your spirit wounded, your mind spinning or in such despair that you don't know what to do, remember David's words in Psalm 57. Close your eyes and picture yourself safely sheltered under God's wings. Feel his reassuring embrace as you bury your face into his chest. Take a long, slow, deep breath and breathe in the calming attitude that surrounds your Father. Let all fear and despair leave your body, mind and spirit as you breathe out.

Psalm 56:3 "When I am afraid, I will trust in you." (NIV translation)

Psalm 91:4 "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge: his faithfulness wil be your shield and rampart."

Trust in the secure love of our Father to comfort and shelter you during times of trouble.



www.InspirationalGiftsAndDecor.com
"Meaningful gifts that warm the heart, encourage
the spirit and add a little inspiration to life."