Turning 63, I Share Cake

Good morning…

I am experiencing my once-in-a-lifetime “golden” birthday. I was born in 1963, and I turn 63 today! A longtime friend came up with a fabulous way to celebrate.

Jeannine Rollins, a beloved Northside Church member, wrote me after recent a blog post, Kindness Is A Ripple. At the end of our post, we watched a short video chronicling the story behind a stranger buying a birthday cake for a little girl whose family could not afford it. Then I posed this question, “What impact might this touching story have on you today?”

Jeannine’s response came as a joyful surprise.

********

Hi Sue,

As I read your devotional this morning and watched the video. It reminded me of an article that I read on food insecurity. In summary, the article said that one of the important food items that we all forget to contribute to a food pantry is a package of cake mix for a birthday cake. It talked of how everyone has a birthday and how important it is to recognize that child or person on their special day. And, yes, one reason it is overlooked is because cake is not deemed essential for nutrition for the body, but how important the cake is for the soul.

Love Love Love this idea! The thought of someone not being able to have a cake or cupcake on their birthday because they had to prioritize basic food needs has weighed heavy on my soul & then when I saw your video – well the dots just connected.

I am a volunteer at Northside’s Food Security of America on Tuesdays and have been providing 25 dozen eggs from our farm chickens at least once a month, so that part of the ingredients would be covered. Is there a way that Banquet Bible study or any of the other of women’s groups could provide 25 cake mixes, oil, icing and candles? 

You can also say this is not a good time or this not a good idea for Northside. My heart has really ached to bring a small ray of happiness to these families.

Thank you so much for considering this request. – Jeannine

*******

After prayerfully considering Jeannine’s request, I replied:

Hi Jeanine…

I love your idea! Next week is my golden birthday (I was born in 1963 and I am turning 63). Over my birthday week, I could encourage people to bring to my home a cake mix, a small canola oil, a tub or two of frosting, and candles, all contained in a foil cake pan with a plastic lid.  With your eggs, we could cover an entire birthday box for a family! I could promote this in our fitness and yoga classes, the classes meeting in our home, Banquet, Judy Harrison’s class, my spiritual growth group on Friday, our Sunday class at Laura Deisley’s and on our blog.

What do you think about this idea?
Sue

God’s creative confirmation continued as Jeannine just happened to sit in the pew right behind us in the large, packed sanctuary last Sunday. We talked about more details face to face, and after church she went shopping to bring the idea to life: “Here are examples of the birthday cake kits. I bought everything from Target, and it cost between $12-13. Let me know how else I can help. Birthday blessings to you!”