Carrying the Light Wherever We Are and Allowing it to Serve
A minister in Pacific Palisades, CA wrote: Some nice man was just chatting with me in line at the bank and as I left said “say a prayer for me.” Sounds like it’s a financial challenge related to his two daughters in college and a bill came up unexpectedly. I don’t know his name (to send the Light to) but spirit does.
Remembering to See Our Actions as Service to the Lord
An Ojai, CA minister shared: As I am making my bed each morning I am remembering to be grateful that the Lord slept here.
Staying Aware of What Might be Needed in the Moment
A Minister in Ojai, CA: In our local grocery store I connected with a new mother and her 2 day old baby nursing from her breast. She said they [husband and two older kids] were on their way home from the hospital and needed groceries. A few minutes later she and I were alone on the produce aisle. I asked if I could assist. She gratefully accepted, told me what to put in the cart and I then went on my way grateful to have been next to God in the presence of a 2 day old soul.
Sharing the Beauty of Our Creative Hearts
From a minister in Calabasas, CA; I get to witness beautiful acts of kindness on a regular basis when I see my wife reach out to our brothers and sisters in MSIA with the beautiful cards she writes/creates, the beauty and creativity of the card reflecting the loving that comes with it to the person who could use some cheer.
Paying a Gift Forward Puts a Twinkle in the Eye
A minister in Willow Grove, PA wrote: One of the most fun, joyful acts I've ever experienced is anonymously paying a gift forward. I've both received and given this act, and both experiences are wonderful, magical and Spirit-filled. It can be as simple as paying for a person's lunch behind me in line (and the cashier is instructed not to tell them who paid), or paying for someone else's food or beverage in a drive-through or restaurant. It puts a twinkle in my eye, a smile on my face, and loving warmth in my heart. And it's so easy! I love the knowledge that I may never know the receiver, and they may never know me (personally). All we know of each other is Spirit, that God has been both the giver and the receiver. That's as true as anything can ever get, that it's God doing it with God.
Reach Out and Touch Someone’s Heart
A minister in Carpinteria, CA shared: I wanted to let you know that my friend was deeply touched by all the people who connected with her on her 91st birthday. She heard from people that she hadn't seen or talked to in years! She asked me to thank you. And I thank you. What a sweet thing for her and all of us.
Doing Unto and For the God in Another
A Eugene, Oregon minister writes: Recently I was hospitalized, twice, and was barely functioning. My laundry had been piling up and I was running out of clean pajamas. Another minister and sister of my heart took the basket of dirty laundry home with her and returned it , clean and neatly folded, the next day. She has also been very generous with offering me rides to appointments and occasionally picking up prescriptions and groceries for me.
Simply Holding for Another
From Williamsburg, VA comes this acknowledgment: A minister friend of mine has been a beacon of Light for me in so many ways in my spiritual journey! She never pushed or tugged; she loved me and knew that I'd do what was right for me.
Doing the Next Thing in Front of Us
A minister in Venezuela wrote: I asked my sister for support in caring for our mom who is in the early stages of dementia. My sister began complaining because my mom was a bit off. I then told her that instead of complaining, she needs to understand that our mom is not "here" in the same way she once was. Her memory is failing and she’s doing the best she can. She offered financial support and I thanked her. I explained to her that the money is helpful, and sometimes I just need a break. And by a break I mean not handling mom.
She teared up and said she wished there was an easier way. I told her, from my perspective, all we need to do is whatever we can to make it easier. I think we came to an understanding that all we can do is the next thing in front of us with our loving and caring.
Light Shared Through a Smile
From Madrid, Spain this minister wrote: I am often met at the supermarket, by a lovely woman who simply smiles. She doesn't ask anything from anyone. I have seen some people offer money or food. One day I decided to talk to her and her joy was abundant. I decided to give her some clothes, sweets and some money. But the gift she gave me back was "Divine Glory". I just wanted to show you "Sandra's” big smile, and the joy of her heart.
Lending a Hand, Literally
A minister’s niece who lives in Spain passed this along: A delivery guy was standing on the sidewalk struggling with the wind. The van's door was flung open, and his boxes and the papers were flying all over the place. People were passing by, totally unaware or indifferent, and my niece came closer and helped the guy. She held the van's door and the boxes while he was picking up the papers. She said the guy almost cried and she said: "Hey, no big deal. All is OK''.
Putting Love into Action
The San Diego Ministerial community’s ongoing programs: We have been doing a fun loving service of collecting new and used socks, to donate to a homeless shelter. “The staff at the shelter are always so appreciative of the donations and tell us the people use everything we send. In past years we have made many donations of hygiene products, crocheted hats, scarfs and beanies, clothes and blankets, all donated by our community. When we drop off a delivery we call in the Light, plant a Light Column and ask that those that receive the donations are blessed. We also sent some handmade crocheted baby blankets to Turkey through an agency taking earthquake relief donations. We were so touched to think that the blankets we lovingly made were going to little babies in severe and devastating conditions. Currently we have been busy crocheting more baby blankets, scarfs, beanies and ear warmers for a delivery next winter to the homeless shelter and a local school. Our service is Spirit led, and is continuous. We keep it simple and done with great love. Our hearts are open as we let love lead us to give to those in need. We witness God in those we serve. One outstanding memory is on one of our drop-offs we saw a woman at the entrance of the shelter, and as we were exiting we greeted her. She had a beautiful toothless smile and radiant eyes. All she kept saying to us is, ‘I’m so blessed, I’m so blessed’. The loving was so present and we felt Spirit had blessed us with her presence.”
Share your stories of loving service here: stories@heartfelt.org