Good morning…
Yesterday was a joyful whirlwind of receiving much as we gave our little. Providing a beautiful breakfast for one hundred inner city teachers at KIPP Woodson Park Academy, hearing stories of the tears of joy shed by the elderly recipients of our fun filled 100 Valentine’s Day gift bags, and helping to host a Valentine’s Day party for the twenty elementary aged students in the afternoon enrichment program at PAWkids, what an amazing way to witness the love of God multiplying in our midst.
I’m not the only giver abundantly receiving joy. Last week, God inspired in one of our regular homework helpers a life-giving idea.
“Hi Sue, since volunteering at PAWkids last Monday, the organization has been on my mind so much,” she emailed me. “I’ve read all about the history of its beginning and what the organization offers to the community. I noticed that the two books I read to the kindergartner and first grader from the PAWkids library only had white characters in them. I’m assuming they have received books for the after school program by donation. I would like to find a way to get more books donated. I wanted to check with you first and get your opinion.”
“Ironically, (which to me means a God-wink), I was just reading the recent Better Homes and Garden magazine and saw an entire article about Meena Harris’s recommendation for several children’s books to read during Black History Month. They all celebrate inclusivity and will allow the PAWkids to see themselves on the page.”
“I love that the PAWkids experience is taking up residence in your heart and your mind,” I replied, “much like this ministry has captivated me. So much joy. So much possibility. I think you sharing your thoughts with Larenzia face to face would be wonderful. Following your curiosity, you could ask Larenzia about how the books are chosen for their library. Checking to see if she would like donations of books from this Black History Month list sounds awesome. Really awesome.”
“Let me know what you learn,” I continued. “Through our blog, I am sure we could get books donated according to how Larenzia envisions the need. So much growth is being inspired by God. I love it!
Within a few days I received her next email.
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Hi Sue,
I talked to Larenzia yesterday about the idea to donate books geared towards black students/black authors to PAWkids. She said yes. This could be done through you blog posts as you suggested and in honor of Black History Month. These books celebrate inclusivity and characters on the pages that the kids can relate to. While the books that already have been donated to PAWkids are great, it appears there is a need to make their library more diverse. I have set up a Wish List on Amazon. You could attach this link in your blog, readers could click on a book to purchase, and they will be delivered to my house. I did this once before for the Vinings Village Women’s Club in order for the members to purchase toys for CURE Childhood Cancer. The ladies found it very easy to just click and purchase.
I welcome your thoughts, ideas and changes.
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/dl/invite/3vzQ3QS?ref_=wl_share
Thanks!
Leigh Jones
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‘Wow, Leigh!” I replied. “This is so incredible! I love that you and Larenzia concocted this creative plan with God.💕 What a great way to celebrate Black History Month together! Thank you so much for your tender loving care!”
So, if you and your family are looking for an impactful way to celebrate Black History Month, please touch on the link above, and choose a book or two that will support the educational development of some of the neediest kids growing up in our city. With the abundant love of God multiplying mysteriously among us, we will receive much as we kindly give a little. Those who give to poor people will have all they need (Proverbs 28:27a, NIRV).
…Sue…
