Wednesday, August 30, 2017

"There but for the grace of God, go I."

Spinning Your Gold Blog: Words that Open Hearts and Inspire Actions

"There but for the grace of God, go I." 
~ John Bradford (1510-1555)

I wanted to share my "9 Ways to Sing September's Songs," a blog post that was written a week ago, to celebrate the start of September. And in these historical and unprecedented weather-challenged times, the message's timing seemed cattywampus--you know not lined up correctly with the Universe's energy.

As someone born in Big Spring, Texas and a Floridian of 34 years, my heart physically twinges every time I see another Facebook post of the suffering in Texas and Lousiana! Tragically, Mother Nature isn't done...yet.

"Thoughts become things...Choose the good ones." 
~ Mike Dooley

This is now my mantra. It is helping me --and maybe it will help you--wade through the ongoing deluge of heart-aching news flooding our lives. 

My intention in writing this is to help shift any energy of despair to delight in seeing how Americans and our neighbors are coming together as ONE FAMILY. They are my heroes! Please find suggestions of places you might consider gifting with your time, talent, or treasure. 

To everyone who's opened their heart and contributed something, you're also my hero! While I don't know you, I do know you. We're Americans and members of the club called Planet Earth.

It's by no means a comprehensive list so if you have other good thought stories or places you would suggest for donations, please add to the comments.


Here are some good thoughts in no particular order:

* The Cajun Navy
Who knew about this group of volunteers? Ride along to see what they're doing.
Heros for unselfish service in the face of great danger.

* "Mattress Mack"
Meet Houstonian Jim McInvingale who opened his two furniture stores as temporary shelters for evacuees.
A hero for leading by example as a heart-centered business person.

* Pawsitivity Service Dogs
Four paws up to this group organizing resources to support the furry, 4-footed ones.
Heroes for reminding us that all living creatures deserve compassionate care and safety. 

* Former St. Petersburg Chef feeds thousands
James Canter and his wife started cooking five days in advance of the hurricane.
Heroes for spreading some Florida sunshine in these dark times.

* Wawa initiates chain-wide campaign
The Wawa Foundation started this crisis support campaign for areas impacted by the hurricane in partnership with the Red Cross; customers can add money to their purchase at checkout.
More heroes of corporate and civic responsibility.

* Brewery stops canning beer to bottle water
The Anheuser-Busch Brewery in Georgia sent 50,000 bottles of water to Baton Rouge.
Heroes for being a heart-centered business founded by two immigrants.

* Mexico offers helping hand
Mexico offered Texas a helping hand "as good neighbors should always do in trying times..." Muchas gracias! 
Heroes for modeling how countries might interact by demonstrating the Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

Here are places still seeking help: 

* Peggy Nolan, a writing sister from NH shares:
"I used Amazon Prime to send supplies to the Texas Diaper Bank with free shipping. I didn't realize that most of the disaster relief agencies don't provide diapers.

If anyone is interested in getting involved, here's the info.
The Texas Diaper Bank in San Antonio is asking for diapers and wipes which can be dropped off in person or mailed to 5415 Bandera Rd., Suite 504, San Antonio, TX 78238.
It was also 32 years ago to the day that I was in a shelter with my one-year-old daughter because Hurricane Elena finally decided, after three days of wobbling in the Gulf of Mexico, to hit Biloxi, MS. And of course it was my daughter's first birthday.
And yes...I forgot the diapers. I remembered everything but the diapers."

* Andrea Patten, a writing sister from FL, wrote a blog about places seeking help: 
Her information also includes an aggregated list of Go FundMe projects for Hurricane Harvey-related needs.
* Janet Nestor, a writing sister from NC, shared this Facebook post with suggestions:
"Received this email from the Obama Foundation - ways to help Texas....FYI.
Hello Janet --
All weekend, people in Houston, across the Gulf Coast, and around the country have been pitching in to aid those affected by the devastating flooding in southeastern Texas.
We've been inspired by the acts of citizens aiding their neighbors, the first responders at work on the ground, and the people around the country who have come together to support those in need.
Help is still needed, and there are many ways for you to contribute from anywhere. Here are some of the organizations providing urgent relief and essential services to the people affected by Hurricane Harvey:
Red Cross
The American Red Cross is working around the clock to provide safe shelter and comfort for the hundreds of thousands of people impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS, or text the word HARVEY to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
Southern Baptist Disaster Relief
Southern Baptist Disaster Relief is assisting in the care of thousands of displaced Texans, and working to restore homes. Learn more about how to support their efforts here.
Save the Children
Save the Children is delivering family-friendly relief supplies, setting up child-friendly spaces in shelters, providing specially trained staff to help children, and planning for long-term recovery needs. Support their Hurricane Harvey relief efforts here.
Houston Food Bank
The Houston Food Bank is providing immediate food distribution to families most in need. Donate now or learn more about how to volunteer at houstonfoodbank.org.
If you're able, please do what you can to help out. As President Obama said, that's what we do as Americans.
Thank you,
The Obama Foundation"



11 comments:

  1. Love is the answer and Lore, this post is all about love. Thank you. Beautifully done.

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    Replies
    1. I agree with you, Janet! Love is ALWAYS the answer in all ways.

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  2. Thank you for this list. It helps to know where your donations are going.

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    Replies
    1. You're so welcome,Barb. This is the second time I've replied...SM is wonky today!

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  3. Of the stories you listed, Mattress Mack is by far my favorite! Thanks for sharing... and for the mention. The GoFundMe projects I saw (when I wrote this on Sunday) did not touch me as much as the others but may ring a bell with someone else, right?

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    Replies
    1. Agreed, sharing MORE of where people can choose to give is always a good idea I think. PS And Mattress Mack even FED his guests.

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  4. What a great post, Lore. I love how you pulled this together to not only tell the story of coming together as one, but also to give up charitable options. xo

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    Replies
    1. Awww, thanks, Sheila. And thanks for sharing. This is what was on my heart after meditation this morning...I just listened to the Inner Whisper.

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  5. This is such an important post Lore! Thank you so much for highlighting the power of love and compassion and the practical aspect of donating and volunteering. Brene Brown shared the desperate need for underwear and shared the group Undies for Everyone where you can send new underwear or donate so they can buy it wholesale. Finding a way to be of service moves us out of despair and into empowerment. Thank you for sharing all these different ways. Sending you peace and love!

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  6. So much love in this post Lore! Service and humanity begin at home...and yes love is always the answer.
    Love and light,Z~

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