A challenge to my readers…

Anyone can change someone else’s life and make a big difference. You don’t have to be educated or trained to powerfully impact someone else’s life. You just have to make a few phone calls, ask a few questions, and be willing to spend a little time with those who are hurting.

A few years ago, I was required to read a book for a Women’s Studies course about women in prison who were abused, forgotten, and hopeless. I can honestly say that I would never have chosen to read this book, especially because it was neither an entertaining nor encouraging “read.” But it was motivating.

As a result of reading about the reality, shame, and desperation of prisoners, I determined to call one of my pastors and see if I could visit a prison. The conversation turned into a very specific idea: take a Christmas service, including one of our coolest bands, to a local county detention center. We did.

For two weeks leading up to the one-hour visit, I would choke up with tears. Having never visited a detention center prior to this occasion, I could only imagine what I would encounter. And all I could think of is being a mom in a room full of kids who were in deep trouble, whose lives were shattered, whose futures were uncertain, whose own families were possibly broken, whose parents might be in jail or drug addicts, and who had no hope. I was passionate.

I didn’t have specialized training for this visit. I didn’t have credentials. But I did have hope. And I brought it with me. Lives were changed that day, including mine. I realized that prisons and detention centers are filled with people who have lost hope, who need visitors to assure them that they can change their lives—despite their genetics or family of origin or past.

So this is my challenge to you. Make a few phone calls—this week. Find a way to visit a prison or detention center or homeless shelter during the upcoming holiday season (and beyond). Take your family members or co-workers. Take a musician or a therapy dog and goodies. Be a part of taking packages, books, food, gifts, Bibles, and a messages of hope to prisoners the homeless or the abused—young or old.

You don’t have to be trained, just willing. You don’t have to be skilled, just compassionate. You don’t have to judge the prisoner or homeless, just offer them the hope that you have in the God of the Bible who loves the lost, hurting, and downtrodden. Remember the Good News is especially Good News to the desperate.

Give a little bit of time away to those in need and I guarantee that you will see a big result!

Be encouraged,

Becky