Chicago Blizzard 2011

This week Chicago had the third worst blizzard of its history. Over 20 inches of snowfall. Cars were stranded on Lake Shore Drive for miles. O’Hare airport cancelled thousands of flights. Schools were closed for a couple of days. People were unable to get around. Stores closed….The positive thing about something like this happening is that the good side of human nature comes out. People help people, even strangers. We tend to look out for others and life is not just about ourselves.

I read stories of people helping to dig cars out, shoveling neighbors and strangers driveways, bringing food to neighbors, checking on those who live alone….My only hope is that we would be that kind when a crisis is not at hand. I realize people are more accepting of help when there is a crisis, but it still would be nice if we all took a littlle time to notice the needs of someone else and  make the time to help.

Perhaps one reason we do not reach out is for fear of being rejected, but it doesn’t really matter if someone does not take our help. What matters is that we continue to look for ways to help others.

As spring approaches and the snow disappears, look for ways to help others and be a blessing in some way. It doesn’t matter how big or small it is.

A Family Given To Kindness

The Case family is a family given to reaching out to others. Tom and Elise lead their flock of 6 children who range in age from 11-21. They have attended Family Harvest Church for many years and have always been an example to everyone. As a family they make and bring food to people to visit and to share the gospel with.

Their latest endeavor, that I am aware of, was making cookies. Olivia, their 14 year old daughter, was selling cookie dough as a fundraiser. One person ordered a lot of batter from her and told her to give it away. The family used it in a few ways. They made cookies for neighbors and invited them to a Life Group Thanksgiving dinner which is to be held in their home. Cookies were baked to bring to the homeless shelter. Tom’s work was sending baked items to soldiers overseas, so…You guessed it…They made cookies for Tom to bring to work to be sent to them.

What they did here is a common occurrence in their household. They provoke me to love actions. I hope hearing about them inspires you.