Everybody is God's Somebody

While watching a recent episode of Oprah, I was moved to tears. As I listened to the story of 82 year old twin sisters, Helen Ashe and Ellen Turner, I was so inspired by their story of giving to those in their community who are in need. The episode was really suppose to highlight Dani Johnson, who went from homeless to millionaire, and her adventure on the season premiere of "Secret Millionaire". However, as I watched, I couldn't help but focus on these two feisty sisters who were all about serving others. During the interview the sisters told of ideals instilled by their parents and how thankful they are for the truths their father taught them: 1) there is only one Father and that is the Heavenly Father, 2) there is only one race and that is the Human Race, 3) never take the last piece of bread from the table because someone may come by who is hungry, 4) Everybody is God's Somebody.
In 1984, Helen dreamed of creating a program to serve the needy in her community of Knoxville, Tennessee. one day she saw a soup line operated by a local church and she knew then what her mission was to be. Her twin sister, Ellen, quickly shared her excitement and joined her in her venture. That dream became a reality in February, 1986, in the basement of a small church. The first day the "Love Kitchen" opened it's doors, 22 meals were served. Today there are 2000 meals served each week with more than 80 % delivered to the elderly who are homebound.

This story and a sermon series by Pastor, Jeff McDonald entitled "Beyond These Walls" has really impacted me and stirred my heart about how I can minister to those in my community who are in need. Jeff  recently gave some statistics about how many children are on the "Free and Reduced" meal program in our school district. This makes me wonder what these children have to eat on weekends or more importantly during the summer months when school is out? I also wonder, how many elderly and homebound residents are there in my community that don't have anyone to even check on them regularly? Much less, make sure they have food to eat? I am reminded of this scripture:

Matthew 25:35-40 (New International Version)

³⁵ For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶ I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
   ³⁷ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸ When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ³⁹ When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
   ⁴⁰ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

I am praying that the Lord will reveal to me what he would have me do to further His kingdom. I have many things going on in my life. Since Emma has special needs, my schedule is pretty full. However, I still have this constant thought coming to my mind, there are so many people in my own backyard that need to know somebody loves them and cares about them.