Is your heart heavy this morning with the problems of our world? Are you feeling overwhelmed with despair?
Maybe if you knew you could do something you would, but you just feel so small in the wake of so much trouble . . .
Well, in these feelings, I'm right there with you. It is so tempting to shut off the news right now and ignore. It's too much!
However, in this feeling, the word that has come to mind this week is...
Extra: more than is due, usual, or necessary.
And this is what I have been thinking, we all have something extra to offer the world.
No matter our life stage, financials, time, personality, etc. we ALL have something extra to offer. Something that we go out of the way to do that might cost us something (or a lot) to offer, but is our work to do.
Yet, I've been thinking that so many of us don't offer our "extra" because we've got our eyes on somebody else's extra.
We think that "Well, I can't give more because what I have isn't a lot."
Or "I'll do this particular kind act for someone when I have more resources to do it" (so you just do nothing in the meantime).
Or you simply just talk yourself out of what you have to give, being insecure about its worthiness.
But know this, the world needs your extra!
Your extra won't look like mine or somebody's else's, I'm sure of that, but it will be beautiful when you give it.
Maybe this week being "extra" might mean organizing something so that you might be a connector of people because you are good at that.
Maybe your "extra" might mean going deeper in a friendship-- really showing up for someone who needs you in their life, even if a thank you isn't always shared.
Maybe your "extra" might mean sending a handwritten card to someone who is grieving even if you think your handwriting is terrible.
I don't know what it is, but I bet you do!
Again, you might think to yourself that your "extra" isn't changing the world. It's not putting a dent in big social problems. You might even think it's as foolish as throwing pennies and making wishes in a fountains. But I want to be that voice in your life this morning that encourages you to go ahead and be extra.
Think of something that you can offer someone or an organization you care about with all your heart, and I promise you that as you do, your impact will be felt.
After all, doesn't it only take a little light to bring brilliance to a whole room?
Shining with you because the world needs our light now more than ever!
XO
Elizabeth
Friends-
Today is a purely personal post. It's a post of celebration and hope and excitement about the future as it relates to my family.
As many of you know, Kevin, my husband, accepted a position back in April to become the new President/ CEO of Feed the Children-- one of the largest domestic and international relief agencies. It's an organization for that helps ensure the 12 million children at risk of going hungry in the United States simply do not. It is an organization that in 2011 delivered over 104 million pounds of food and other life essentials to children in need and their families around the world. They do great work!
Considering Kevin's master's degree in international affairs, work experiences in large corporations and most recently as the Chief Operating Officer at a non-profit in DC, and his heart for using his leadership skills to fulfill his Christian calling of service-- he rose to become the perfect fit for this organization seeking a visionary and energetic new leader.
Today is Kevin's first official day on the job. He couldn't be more excited to get to work with Feed the Children! I know he will love his new job even with all of the new responsiblity it will bring.
Though the transition will be hard for us in the beginning, as I continue to work here in DC as a pastor and he spends a lot of time in Oklahoma City learning the business, I couldn't be more proud of him. I am cheering him and Feed the Children on and today, I'm asking you to do the same.
I know it would mean so much to Kevin (and to me too) if you took a moment this afternoon if you are a Facebook or Twitter user and post a comment of support for Kevin and his new work. Let's let the great staff at Feed the Children know how wonderful their new leader is going to be for this organization.
Feed the Children on Facebook
Feed the Children on Twitter
Or, even better, consider making a donation in celebration of Kevin's first day and all the good that you know he is going to do with this wonderful organization by clicking here. If you know Kevin, you know that your donation will be put to great use, especially in this organization that already has a four star rating with Charity Navigator.
Thanks so much for your support in this new adventure the journey,
Elizabeth
