We all have gifts. Those special talents and qualities that God has given us to get through this life.
Each one of us was blessed with a gift. Do you know what yours is? Do you write? Draw? Love to drive? Adore keeping things clean? Is digital nomading your passion? Can you build things? What are YOU good at? But, most importantly, what do you love to do?
This is your gift. And, we will find a way to use your gift to help someone else during COVID-19.
Next, do you have a burning in your heart to help the homeless? Do you love dogs? Is saving beached whales a dream you have? Do you have a passion to see that every man, woman and child on this planet of ours has healthy food to eat every day?
What makes you mad and gets you feisty and ready to don your super hero cape and get to work?
Now, let’s do this! Here are 5 easy ways you can serve right now to help make humanity better during this totally unpredictable and—let’s face it—scary time.
Make phone calls. Okay so seriously. I’m not a big phone talker. I am definitely a prolific texter, though as my friends will attest. But, since the pandemic began—I don’t know about you—but I have this undeniable urge to actually hear my people’s voices. If I can’t see them in person, I at least need to hear them. Is there a person at your church, school or work who needs someone to talk to? Do you know someone who is living alone during this time? I am blessed with several people in my household, so the thought of being alone is an delusion, but to tell you the truth, I couldn’t imagine being confined to my home for long periods of time alone without depression trying its best to seep into my psyche. Call someone. At least text. Your call or text may be the thing that brightens that person’s day.
Schedule video chats. Each Friday, a friend of mine and I meet at 3:30pm on our smartphones. We call each other using Facebook Messenger Video Chat for a virtual “coffee break” so we can discuss our weeks, veg, rant; whatever. It’s good for me, good for her, and it lets us see someone besides the people we are sheltering in place with. Win-Win.
Post. Post. Post. Social media is our friend. Seriously. If used for good and not evil, it can spread peace, love, kindness and important updates and information. Posting a video, going live, or simply sharing a quick story on Instagram helps us all to know we are not alone. A quick post to your friends and followers encourages them that we will make it through this. Not keen on posting a vid? Maybe post a scripture image to your feed and share God’s word. Is writing your gift? Email, direct message or even mail a letter to someone who needs you.
Lend a helping hand. Okay, so going out in public is not recommended, and I definitely want you safe and healthy, but right now there are so many people in need. According to The Washington Post, more than 20 millions people lost their jobs since the pandemic began. There are numerous ways you can volunteer yet remain socially distanced and safe. Deliver meals or groceries for people you know or for an organization such as Meals on Wheels. Many local food pantries need food boxes assembled, dogs walked or homebound seniors or clients with special needs called and checked in on. Google organizations in your town and discover how you can serve. The National Council on Aging has ways you can help, as well.
Put your money where your mouth is. I love this saying. And, if you love an organization and can’t donate your time right now, donate some money. Food pantries can provide four times more food by purchasing it from a food bank with our donations than we could buying it at a grocery store. Due to safety concerns and shutdowns, some organizations simply can’t reopen, but they still need us to see their missions fulfilled. And, with so many in our country and throughout the world unemployed right now, we must come together and help any way we can.
Your gifts are amazing. I bet you have more than one. And, God’s intent was for us to use these predestined gifts to make His world a better place, to help His children prosper and to show His light on this earth.
Don’t let your gifts be wasted. There’s a story that Jesus shared about this very thing known as the “Parable of the Talents.”
Still not sure what your gift is? Sit back and chat with God about it if you need some insights. He had it all lined up for you since before time began.
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