Why I Help Others

[shawneepaints]

Since not everyone knows me, of course, I thought it would be helpful if I put my own reasons for why I am so interested in helping other people.   These days, it is suspect even to do so because of the way the world has become.  I prefer to reassure people.

My husband and I have had 25 years of marriage.  I have two beautiful children and now a gorgeous daughter-in-law.  My childhood was not the best, but not the worst, and it was so for my own children.  We struggled to provide, more so when my son was growing up, thank the Lord we were doing better by the time my daughter got old enough to understand life.

My own mother provided for my brother and me by visiting yard sales and taking hand-me-downs, and it continued for my own children.  At one point, I was begging for school clothes for my child because we had moved into an area where we knew no one, for my husband to work, and we had very little money and could not qualify at the time for food stamps.  We have eaten from the generosity of others on several occasions.  I used to buy 25 cent toys for my son when I could afford to let go of the quarter, from yard sales because I couldn't buy new ones.  I used cloth diapers because they were cheaper than disposables, and sometimes I had to wash them out in a bath tub because I could not afford the laundrymat. 

We have lived with family and have lived in druggie neighborhoods, simply because of our financial situation.  We were not lazy people.  We have always been hard workers.  We were just not in the right place at the right time and did not know the right people all the time, plus, I admit, we made poor decisions...but we were trying to get to a better place for our family in the process.  Things just didn't always work out well for us.

I do not regret one moment of anything we have gone through.  It has helped me be who I am today.  It has helped me relate to other people who are in need.  It has helped keep me grounded.  I used to be embarrassed to take charity, embarrassed to spend my food stamps, embarrassed to ask for help.  I felt insecure around people who had signs of luxury and money.  Now, I have been through things that show me I am just as good as the next person and do not have to hang my head in shame.  It can be a brave person who reaches out for help; it takes courage.  It is unfortunate, but it can also lead us to a better place if we allow it to.  Please, above all, learn from the experiences and use them to better yourselves...not so you can feel better than, but so you can be a better person inside.  We can gain peace and understanding and strength from the valleys if we allow it.

For a long time, I begged God to show me what my purpose was.  I just didn't know what He wanted me  to do.  Finally, CafeMom Free Cycle came along, and it all became clear.  I am not a martyr or a saint and please, please do not think I am writing this for a pat on the back (although we all know it does feel good and is encouraging).  I am trying to follow what I feel is God's will for me and I hope it will help someone else feel closer to the Lord in the process, or at least feel there are still kind people in the world and not give up hope of trying to better themselves.

God bless you all.

[sadblueeyes]

Oct. 23, 2009 at 10:57 AM

Vice nice journal

[shelley822]

Oct. 23, 2009 at 12:08 PM

It was beautifully writen.  I'm still trying to find out what my purpose in life is.  I know I was meant to be a mom but I know there is also something out there for me.  I can tell you are a special person. 

[momofsixangels]

Oct. 24, 2009 at 6:52 PM

How sweet.You are a wonderful person .This is coming from a friend and somenone who has recieved your generosity.