Do Something More…
Jean Strout of Hancock, ME, USA
Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house… -Isaiah 58:6-7
The Emmaus Shelter in Ellsworth, Maine, is a shelter for the homeless. They are open 24/7 for people who are in need. I share this testimony not to boast, but as an example of helping people who are addressing needs.
I was shopping at our local department store and happened to see Sister Lucille who is the director of the Emmaus Center. She had a shopping cart full of notebooks, backpacks, ledger books, pencil boxes, and every other item a child would like to have to start school. We talked for a few minutes, I gave her money to help with the cost of the items, and then I went on my way to finish my shopping.
The more I thought about my meeting with Sister Lucille, the more I could imagine my best friend, who had died in May, speaking to me, “We need to help further with Sister Lucille’s shopping project.”
I began to remember what it was like when I was a young child getting ready for school. Not having a new notebook, paper, or pencils would be frustrating. The more I thought, the more I realized I needed to do something more, so I began to hunt for Sister Lucille.
When I found her, she had started to check out. I asked her if she would give me back my cash donation and allow me to pay for all the items. I caught her by surprise, and she asked why I was doing this. I wanted to do the right thing. May we each respond when it is right.
Prayer Phrase
I surrender into your love, O God.
Spiritual Practice
Surrender
What might it look like to surrender a little to God each day? A simple prayer of surrender can help us become aware of God’s consistent invitations to deeper relationship and awareness. Imagine when you encounter a challenging person or situation silently uttering this prayer, “I surrender into your love, O God.” The same prayer can be meaningful in moments of joy and gratitude as a way of returning to the awareness of oneness with God. It’s ok if we don’t surrender everything all at once all the time. The prayer of surrender is a constant practice of returning little by little to the deepest love that is the ground of our being and desires wholeness and oneness for us and all creation.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
