INSPIRASUNS

Over the past weeks since Ian, I’ve mentioned how I’ve met some pretty incredible people through volunteer efforts. Well, last night I was blessed to attend a small gathering with some of those incredible people. You see, a month ago I didn’t know these special people, but today, I feel like there has never been a time that I haven’t known them.

You see before Ian hit, the Marco Patriots, (a nonprofit group I’ve talked about before in this little blog), was already mobilizing to be ready to help people. I volunteered to help where I could and was assigned some responsibilities. Then fast forward to the day Ian rolled through, power goes out, phone service begins to get spotty, internet bounces in and out, then eventually goes. All the while, calls for help started coming in from residents and people from across the country are trying to get information about loved ones and their properties. It came clear very quickly that we needed volunteers to help us who were not physically on the ground here in FL.

A call goes out, the Bat Signal actually, yes it was an image of a Bat Signal, anyway, the call goes out for volunteers who are not here in Florida. We needed people who could get information into social media areas without the hindrance of no internet or cell service. It did not take long for individuals to step up. Before we knew it information was being compiled, disseminated, and shared with the public. We had to go old school in some ways, making physical signs and posting at community buildings, churches, etc. It was an amazing process.

Well, last night, I met these special volunteers on the team I’ve been a part of since right before Ian. I learned how God spoke to them to step up and be a part of this mission. I learned all about their backgrounds, healthcare workers, business people, small business owners, and their lives and how they ended up here in our SW Florida communities. We all shared our connection to Marco and why it’s so special to us. We laughed, joked, hugged, and agreed that Father brought us all together for a reason.

I feel like I don’t remember a time not knowing these special people. God had a plan three weeks ago, and as usual, that plan played out and worked beautifully. We not only accomplished some pretty amazing things, but we have grown new relationships to continue to do Father’s work together.

This morning as you start your weekend, I encourage you to keep an open mind to what God may be calling you to do. Keep an eye out for those Bat Signals, and times when you can help. God’s plan is not always our plan, well it usually isn’t but at the end of the day, it’s the plan that counts.

Happy Saturday friends and thanks as always for letting me share my story.

Proverbs 16:9
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.