“Selfless Service Through Love” Chapter 35

Mathew 6:3-4

3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,

4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

In 1999, Laura and I were stationed in Hawaii with the Army.  Laura was working as a vendor for several hardware stores around my schedule as a shift-working MP. One day, after finishing work, she went with a friend to a crafting party. Tired and not all that interested, she went anyway because she had already agreed to go. In chapter 30, I spoke about people who come into our lives for a reason, a season, and a lifetime., and this event was exactly that for both Laura and I.

At the party Laura was sitting there, not really engaged. A woman named Cindy was demonstrating a stamp set called “Button Bear." Suddenly, a glow came over the stamps, angels starting singing, and sure as drinking a shot of espresso, Laura shot up in her seat and fell in love. Her initial protest turned into a drive that would span over 24 years and counting. She found Button Bear and was in love. I wasn’t even jealous of him.

Laura came home that night and couldn’t stop talking about the fun she had and a beautiful new friend she'd made. Shortly after Laura signed up to be a demonstrator and Cindy’s second recruit.

But this post is not about a business venture. This is a love story about a selfless servant of God and a friend who turned Ohana (family).

Over the years, Laura and Cindy’s friendship grew. They traveled together, would visit each other, gave each other nick names, and through it all Cindy has become my sister too.

Cindy has always been a giving woman and involved in her church and community. If you asked Cindy for help, she always responded "yes" before you finished the question. Over the years, she has used her craft to give back, and it has never been more true than when someone was in need. For me personally, it was when I was diagnosed with  ALS.

Last year, when I announced my support for the ALS CEO fundraiser, Cindy jumped into action. Using her business and friends to conduct a fundraiser, she donated to my event as one of my top donors.

Again in August 2022, Cindy sent me a prayer blanket. Hand crafted and each knot prayed over for me from Cindy’s Ohana. I continue to use the blanket and those prayers comfort me.

Two weeks ago, I received a hand crafted card in the mail. Over the last two weeks, we received more beautiful cards. Each card included different blessings and prayers from people from across the U.S. from Hawaii to NY. The joy the cards have given me is unexplainable. Like Pavlov’s dogs with a bell, I look forward to my reward in the mailbox every day. The words of love and inspiration lift me up when I need them the most.

To share some quotes from the cards:

“I am praying for you every day.” Melba B

“You have always been someone who inspires me.” Cindy B

“Just wanted to say aloha and hope you have a beautiful day.” Luana

“David hang in there and don’t let go of Gods mercy and Grace.” Sue

“Sending you love & hugs hoping it will cheer you a little.” Wanda S

“It is my privilege to pray for you with my hands held high in praise…” Lynnette L

“Sending you good thoughts and prayers….” Mey

“Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened….”

Luana

“Rest in the Lords assurance that He will never leave you.” Cindy

“Just to let you know others are praying for you.” Linda

“I hope you have a wonderful day.” Karen B

“You are an inspiration to all of us in your highs and lows.” Dell E

“You have always been someone who works hard and makes a difference, even ALS can’t keep you down.” Cindy

" I am praying for your family and that God meets your every need" Coleen

“You had me at hello” Laura DuBois

Oh wait! That was not a card.

Everyday there are people who perform selfless acts of service. In fact, many of my friends serve their communities. Selfless service and love run deep in Cindy who gives her love to many, but I like to think the love she gives to me is special.

Whatever you are going through there will always be someone there for you. Whether in person or just a message, finding the value in them is important.

Remember your worst day is someone else's best day. Our world is in desperate need of light bearers and burden lifters. Give yourselves to those who have a greater need than you.

I challenge you today to scroll through your contacts and send a text to someone you have not spoken with for awhile. A simple hello, hope you are well, God loves you. Then share your results in the comments, I would love to hear about it.

Thank you for your cards and blessings.

Love and blessings