Irene and Sandy the disastrous duo! They forcibly struck the east coast and along the shore lines with their destruction and signature onslaught of pillage only a little more than a year apart. The most recent loss, a mere week old continues to leave me with a burdensome lump in my throat.
I have to believe, they were either roommates, classmates, cellmates, or just conniving soulmates, whatever their shaky relationship and its explosiveness has only birthed despair for millions. Sandy may have withdrawn taking her forceful winds and rains of ruin with her, yet she left behind her piercing pen where its ink is still fresh as her story is still being written for millions of lives and desperate hearts.
I searched over and over, replaying in my mind the humdrum words of “hoping for the best” and “praying for all to be safe” and yet found no peace. I decided to place actions with my life-less sentences of hope and chose to give. Whether placing a tote full of canned goods, batteries and gallons of water inside of a cardboard box scribbled “For Sandy’s victims”, boxing up unworn winter coats, hats and mittens to be shipped to my neighboring states where cold temperatures have now settled in, giving blood for the very first time, sending a generator along with gasoline down to New Jersey where 5 families are seeking shelter under one small roof or texting “REDCROSS to 90999 a hand-full of times because it was the most glaring and only seconds away from my capable finger tips….
Today’s thoughts are those of hope, restoration and giving! One follower will receive a $100 gift card to Restoration Hardware and a $100 donation in their name to the American Red Cross to aide those affected by Sandy. Simply leave a comment on this post or on JJasmin Interiors Facebook page and a name will be chosen by November 15, 2012.
Thank you for searching your own heart on how you can sow towards restoration!
THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED! THANK YOU
Julie…This article brought tears to my eyes…Inspiring thought as to How I can help those affected and devastated by an all to close to home raging storm… having torn up so many lives. It sparked a reality to True Thankfulness tucked away deep in my soul. My prayers which I know to be answered my My Mighty and Great God may be all I have to offer at this time…In truth I know…….this is enough.
Thank you Debbie!!
Julie, that’s awesome. You are, and have always been, such a giving soul. My ex-husband’s brother are still without power, and it is so cold. My heart goes out to them. God bless you for giving to those in need <3
Oops! *brother AND sister*
What a thought provoking post. We can all help in some way to make a difference.
Your post actually caused me to reflect on why it seems most of us (myself included) only think to be more giving and thankful when a crisis arrives or is averted? for the coming year, I’d like to think about how to make gratitude and giving a regular part of my life. thanks for the inspiration!
As someone who has suffered so much loss in my life, I know what it is to appreciate each and every day that I wake up and take a breath. We have so many folks out there who are suffering from all kinds of things today…the current storm, illnesses, loss of loved one’s, loss of jobs, depression, etc. Sometimes, we need to stop and ask ourselves “instead of worrying about things we have no control over, how can we help those in need?” It can be as simple as giving a friend a hug or bringing a cup of coffee over to a neighbor who needs a shoulder to lean on or just smile at the grocery clerk and say “have a nice day.” Live life to the fullest folks and help those we can. After all, we don’t get do-over’s…
It is nice to know that there are people in this Country that are willing to get involved when there is a major crisis taking place… from as simple as saying a prayer to sending what they have that is extra to physically helping out.
Julie, thank you so much for this post. I know many people affected by Sandy and many of my friends have been loading up trucks and vans with donations they are delivering to Long Island. Your generosity and their generosity warms my heart : )
Giving to Red Cross when I go to the grocery store.
Thank you Mary!