When I was sick people showered me with meals, visits, cards and letters. Unexpected pop-ins stayed through dinner, short Sunday evening calls fortified me through the week. My favorite way to hear from people was through cards. In person visits were too taxing, emails too tiring. Cards seemed to be just right. Cards could be taken in a slow and steady pace. Each week I would pour a cup of tea, sit in solitude and pour over my greetings usually with heartfelt tears and gratitude.
Prayers came in all shapes and sizes: Through prayer chains, text messages and even prayer blankets made with love. The prayers filled with scripture washed over me as a cleansing breath. God’s love for me never failed, even on the hard days. He hears the prayers of His beloved children, prayers made in all shapes and sizes.
God provides for us in every way. He provides for us-even in the tough times so that we can bless others…in the Ministry of Giving.
2 Corinthians 9:10-12 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. 12 So two good things will result from this ministry of giving-the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.
Our parents and grandparents were on to something: Generosity and curiosity changes lives. Even in the tough times, stop by and visit the neighbors. Sit a bit and listen. Drop off some leftovers or even a small token like a muffin, a small flower or a card can make the difference in the life of a homebound senior or someone struggling with a chronic illness. Remember what the Greatest Generation did before us, when the road ahead looks the most bleak, self is a tiresome subject. Find a way to look past the pain and create one small act of random kindness. It’s the Best Medicine ever.
We give, we create this Ministry of Giving or even the Ministry of Presence because we know what Jesus did for us first. When we were lost and alone, He saved us. He redeemed us. And because we are so grateful we can reach out to those to our right or left one small moment at a time. He heals our heart one stitch at a time and gives us the strength and courage to not only heal but learn to live, love and give again.

Blessings,
Casey Salminen
Founder
Blessed & Inspired