“When I
was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me,
“Look for the helpers. You will always
find people who are helping.” ~ Mr. Rogers
These
days, the helpers and encouragers have risen to the occasion. Their offerings and gifts have been great
reminders that we can do something, even though it may have to be in a way we
are not accustomed to. Because of
technology, we are able to reach out in new ways. It does take effort, but it will be well
worth it.
I started
to wait until the end of this pandemic before I posted a blog, but I don’t want
to forget or miss one gift God provides during these days.
Things I
want to remember:
School
districts were quick to announce that they would still be providing breakfast
and lunch for students in need.
Researchers
who are working around the clock for a cure, prevention, and test for the Corona
Virus.
Doctors,
nurses, medical personnel, and those who clean and keep things sanitized, daily
risking their lives to keep others well.
First
responders, military, farmers, pharmacy workers, utility workers, and others
who are doing their best to make it peaceful during these days.
Drivers,
warehouse workers, grocery store workers, store clerks and others who are
working around the clock to keep the shelves stocked with necessary items.
Teachers,
who in a week’s time, have been expected to learn new programs and ways to
teach their students virtually so that learning is still taking place and the
students feel connected to their teachers and classmates.
People
using their sewing skills to make masks for the elderly, doctors, nurses and
others in need.
Governor
Abbott waived trucking regulations in order for supplies to reach stores in a
timelier way.
Stores
opening an hour early for senior adults to make their purchases.
Automobile
plants using their machines to make much needed medical equipment.
Churches
livestreaming and finding ways to minister and keep connected by computer,
letters, phone calls, adopting a senior, as
well as other methods.
H-E-B
donated $3 million to local organizations who work with senior adults and
low-income families to help fight the spread of the Corona Virus. They are also donating $1.2 million to 18
different food banks in Texas, which will provide over 6 million meals. Texas Biomedical Research Institute is also a
recipient of donations. Non-profit
partners are also blessed with monetary gifts from H-E-B.
Alex
Bregman, of the Houston Astros, donated 1,000 food kits to the Houston Food
Bank.
J.J. and
Kealia Ohai Watt donated $350,000 to the Houston Food Bank.
People
sharing scriptures and encouraging words by way of phone calls, texts,
messaging, Facebook.
Tallowood
Baptist Church having families, preschool and children’s workers share a Bible
story for children to listen to each night.
People
making an effort to call neighbors to check in and see if they need anything.
Some
college students formed a group called Invisible Hands Deliver which shops for
and delivers groceries to the elderly in New York City.
Musicians/entertainers
are sharing their talents for others to enjoy since their shows have been
cancelled for now.
The family
members of the Heston and Thornton families each praying on Facebook for each
member of specific families that they know.
What an encouragement and reminder of the privilege and blessing of
praying for others, especially during these days.
Young
Irish dancers, 12 or 13 years old, dancing outside the windows of a retirement
community, since the residents cannot have visitors.
Fast food
windows do not take walk-up customers at the drive-thru. Because most truck/delivery drivers cannot
drive through these places, people are offering to take their order and drive
through for them.
With my
mom spending her final years in an assisted living home, I have been touched by
the ways people are loving their parents and others during these days of not
being able to be with them in person.
One man
goes and sit’s outside his dad’s window so he can see him as he talks to him by
way of the phone.
A woman
was pictured sitting in the freezing cold, outside her mother’s room, writing notes
on legal pads so her mother could see her and know she was thinking of her.
A man
holding a “Happy 67th Anniversary” sign outside the window of his
wife’s room of the Alzheimer Unit where she resides. The care givers rolled her to the window to be
able to see her husband and the sign. It
was the first anniversary they have been apart.
It is an event she will probably not know or remember, but her husband
and care givers surely will.
Family
that made a tic-tac-toe out of blue tape on the kitchen glass door so
grandfather could still play a game with his grandson who was outside in the
backyard.
Robert Mason, of Scaly
Mountain, North Carolina, took his daughter, Stephanie, to the Dollar General
to buy needed items. She asked her dad
to buy all of the toilet paper in the store.
Robert explained that others would need the toilet paper as well. His daughter replied, “We can get it and give
it to people that need it.” After buying
a basket full, they stood in front of the store and Stephanie would ask people if
they needed toilet paper. If they
replied, “Yes” she handed them a package.
Mr. Rogers’ mother was
right. In times of difficulty the
helpers show up. May we be among those
who are counted as helpers.
God is
our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1
When I am
afraid, I put my trust in you.
Psalm 56:3
Lord, you
have been our dwelling place
Throughout all generations.
Before
the mountains were born
or you brought forth the whole world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are
God.
Psalm 90:1-2
Not only
so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering
produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Romans 5:3-4
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be
courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.
I Corinthians 16:13-14
Do not be
anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with
thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which
transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ
Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
For the
Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and
self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7
Cast all
your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7
