INSPIRASUNS

Last night we met at church for a gathering. This is the time when many of our parishioners are coming back from being up north all summer. Many are seeing Naples and the surrounding area, and the results of Ian at our church for the first time. We gathered to reconnect and share updates on family and friends and to hear stories about the last month. As I write this I realize that Ian came through just one month ago today.

Our priest gave an update on the restoration of our church, Sunday School rooms, offices, and Church Mouse. We looked at pictures of where we were just one month ago and saw photos of all the work done since, by not only professional contractors but more importantly by parishioners who have volunteered to do whatever has been needed 🙂 .

Then we learned about our parish outreach since Ian. We support so many charities in not only Naples but in our surrounding communities. These organizations are doing so much to help so many. One such organization, Laces of Love was on hand last night, their co-founder Jeanne Nealon gave us a look inside not only what they do, but what they’ve done since Ian.

Laces of Love provides new shoes to low-income and disadvantaged children and educates the public about the needs of these children. Since 2005, they have provided over 200,000 kids in need with new shoes in SW Florida.

Jeanne shared several stories of helping families since Ian. Many of these families have lost everything, and their children are literally displaced from where they began their school year. Their parents have had to relocate to stay with family while they determine what to do about their homes. They’ve had to start over and one such family needed shoes for their children. Simple pairs of shoes for those kids brought a little “normalcy” to their day.

So this morning while you are getting ready for the day and grabbing your first cup of coffee, I encourage you to give thanks. Thanks for the gift of having shoes, thanks for the gift of your children having shoes, and give thanks for God’s children like Jeanne who recognize the need and just do. I also encourage you to learn more about this wonderful organization where God is truly, truly at work.

Happy Friday friends 🙂

2 Corinthians 9:7
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.