Good morning…
In response to our recent blog post Helping Homeless Women, our written word community joyfully created 15 bags of abundant love. The bags will be placed in private rooms to welcome the women recovering from homelessness and addiction as they arrive this morning for our overnight retreat at Ignatius House Retreat Center. The blossoming of these bags has been quite a sight to see.
The woman who volunteered to donate the actual bags told an amazing story.
“Sue,” she wrote, “I decided to go to Target and see what they have. When I got there, I couldn’t stop thinking that these women are in a shelter, they aren’t stably housed, they are coming on MARTA. As I looked at various options, I kept coming back to the notion that we need something that is waterproof, multi pockets, light weight, practical and functional. Otherwise it is a goodie bag that will be discarded.”
“I found one bag but it didn’t have a price,” she explained, “So, after doing some other shopping, I took it with me to the cashier to ask about it. She was extremely helpful. She asked me who I was shopping for — I had mentioned a retreat for 15 women. I described the women, and this cashier said: I was almost homeless, and what you need is a bag that has pockets and zippers — with a luggage tag to keep personal items secure.”
Researching further, my friend found the perfect bag to contain all of the symbols of God’s generous love which gathering on our front porch this week. Handwritten notes of encouragement. Scripture verses. Angel cards. Jewelry. Small candles. Gum. Lip balm. Bottled water. Wrapped snacks. Journals. Scarf. Cozy socks. Nail polish. Makeup bags. Travel size toiletries. Toothbrush. Toothpaste. Body wash. Lotions. A wrapped crystal. Homemade baked goods. Framed artistic Bible verses. An inspirational book. Personalized letters each with a $20 bill. In addition, we collected over $2,000 to help offset the cost to Ignatius House as we offer this retreat free of charge. God multiplied a miraculous outpouring!
When I packed my car with the bags yesterday, God’s light beamed brightly in all directions.
Now I thank you for keeping us in your prayers over the next two days as we facilitate with these special women an intimate experience with our extravagant God. The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine (Isaiah 9:2, NLT).
…Sue…
P.S. A huge thanks goes out to all who contributed to these awesome welcome bags and those who donated funds to offset retreat costs: Aimee Connolly. Cathleen Reinhardt. Shaun McCarthy. Pam Lavino. Laura Nunally. Sumner Bradshaw. Suzanne Howard. Gene Barnes. Elaine Christopher. Louise Gardner. Laura Deisley. Rachel Farmer. Laura Currie. Mary Helen McGruder. Jean Young. Courtney Jenks. Diane Moffett. Margaret Kaufman. Blaine Wyche. Jenna Scanling. Nancy Robitaille. Leigh Jones. Pam Wamberg. Connie Ramsey. Kim McCollam. Vilda Brannen. Martha Tate. Pat Scott. Betsie Maner (in honor of Kristin). Barbara June. Diane Farmer. Allison Rollins. Sandy Snead. Molly Monk. Claire Spears. Belle Voyles. Debi Wilson. Gretchen Folk. Lisa Wargo. Claudia North. Carolyn White. Maurie Drambel. Diane Pyles. Brooke LeBow.
Thank you for doing your small part to express God’s mammoth love!
