My husband and I moved to eastern Kentucky, in the heart of Appalachia {pronounced like apple-atcha} way back in 2001 to work in the community and serve the people here. Eastern Kentucky claims some of the poorest counties in the United States.

I can’t say I wanted to move here. In fact, more than once I said, “I’m not moving to Harlan.” But, God has taught me a lot while living here.  And honestly, there’s no where else I’d rather live now. I love it here!

I used to be a little judgmental. Okay, so sometimes I’m still plagued with that. Years ago, I read this verse and felt God speak to my heart:

“But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.” Matthew 9:36

Jesus looked over the multitudes with compassion. That speaks volumes to me. What an example He set for us!

And I realized that no matter how much I think someone should make better choices – I don’t know.

• I don’t know what road has led them to place where they now sit.
• I don’t know the pain, abuse, and hardships they’ve faced.
• I don’t know if I, had I walked in their shoes, would make better choices.

As the saying goes, “But by the grace of God, there go I.”

I learned I needed to show mercy, have patience, and demonstrate Christ’s love instead of always assuming that people could do better if they just tried harder.

There are hurting people everywhere. Here in eastern Kentucky, in downtown Atlanta, across the world in Africa, India, and China. There are hurting people in your church and in your neighborhood. And hurting, broken hearts aren’t limited to the poor. There are people in every town, every city, and every neighborhood who need compassion, love, someone to listen. People everywhere need the love of God to fill their empty hearts.

You don’t have to go far to find somewhere to serve.

It’s so easy to get caught up in our comfortable lives and forget that there are real people around us who need a kind word and sincere smile. There are so many ways you can bless someone today or this week.

Serving Others

In our family, we give financially to our local church and world missions. We also keep a little church bank on our dining room table and every time we save $10.00 it gets sent to a mission organization that builds churches. We do our best to give as much as we can to further the work of the gospel and help those around the world who are less fortunate that us.

Our local church here in Harlan runs a community center where we give away food, clothing, and household items twice a week to anyone who walks in the door. Think thrift store – except everything is free! My husband and kids and I frequently go to the center to unload truck loads of boxes and stack them.

Every year at Thanksgiving and then again at Christmas our family goes door to door can collecting to fill boxes and bags of food to giveaway and then we’ll shop for items to fill in the gaps. 

It’s one of those traditions I’m glad we started when the kids were little. When the boxes are filled, we deliver the boxes to families we know who have very, very little. It’s been a valuable lesson for my children.

Mother Teresa once said, “If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.”

We can’t feed everyone who is hungry. We can’t touch every life who is broken. We can’t reach out to every person who is suffering and make them well.

But we can feed just one.

We can touch the heart of the person next door. We can reach out to those in our own neighborhood who needs a friend.

What if you and I – what if each person sitting in church every week decided to feed just one? How much would the world be changed?

[Tweet “If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one. – Mother Teresa #TheLetters”]

The Letters Movie

On December 4, The Letters movie, about the life and work of Mother Teresa is being released in theaters. I’m looking forward to watching this movie! Mother Teresa gave her life to the poor. She longed to bring relief to the poorest of poor and her life is such an inspiration.

You can view the official movie trailer or watch it below. Also, watch this clip. Be sure to check out The Letters Movie on Facebook and and follow them on Twitter.

How does your family serve those less fortunate? Share your ideas with us in the comments below!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of The Letters (Film). The opinions and text are all mine.