5 Little Bandaids

What does one give when they have nothing to offer? Everything. 

Like so many others, I remember vividly the morning of September 11, 2001. I was expecting our third boy and had recently gotten off restricted bed rest. My mother called me, crying, to say a bomb or something had hit the Pentagon and one of the Twin Towers. Having been sleeping until the phone rang, I was in a daze and could not understand what she was talking about.

Leaving my husband to sleep after another late shift, I tiredly stumble to the living room and turned on the TV. Pictured of smoking buildings filed the screen. I watched as a plane hit the second tower. "Is this for real?" I asked my mom. "Is this really happening? Is it a movie? I do not understand what is going on!" I went in to wake my husband. I was terrified. I needed my hand securely in his. Then, over the course of the next several minutes we all watched in horror, still on the phone with my mother hundreds of miles away, as the buildings came crashing down one after another. People screaming. Then, blackness.

For the next two days I could not tear myself away from the screen. I am an em-path and I have a ... desire to mourn with those that mourn. I feel their pain. I take on their hurt, so later God can use me to help heal them. I needed to do that right then. I was also dealing with a high risk pregnancy and the stress of what was happening may have effected my baby, we later learned. 

I thrive in serving others and I needed to serve during those first few days. My husband and I talked of driving across the country to New York to help where it was needed, but we knew it was not realistic. We had two small children and I was cautiously carrying our third. I could not donate blood, I then learned, because it was needed for my baby. What could I do?!

Being pre-social media days, reaching out to others meant actually picking up a phone, or walking to a neighbor's house. Praying for guidance, I called the leader of our church's local women's organization. As I shared me idea with her, she became excited to help. 

On the news, it was shared that the rescuers were burning through their gloves, shoes were melting, and they were in desperate need of more medical supplies. Calling the area church leaders, I received permission to put collection boxes throughout the church building in the area. I made a flyer and hung it around the neighborhood, as well as with the boxes, and stood on the corner by Subway handing them out as well. My house became the main drop off point. In just a few days, we had collected much needed items to be sent to New York: rubbing alcohol, bandages, work gloves, etc. The response and outpouring of kindness was astonishing. 

My favorite contribution, though, brings me to tears whenever I think of it. Inside one box collected from the church was not a package of bandages, but five individual bandaids, of various brands. They just sat at the bottom of the box. I imagine that the family who gave these wanted, like so many others, to desperately help ease some suffering. Not having anything else to offer, the mother and children gathered a few precious items from around the house, consecrating them to those who were in need. Perhaps it was all they could do, yet do they know that in giving so little, they changed many lives?

A few days later as I took the gathered and sorted items to the local Red Cross, I pulled out the bandaids, sharing them the story of how these items came to be. The ladies I spoke to that day were visibly moved to tears. They, too, could recognize the sacrifice of the hands that gave these inexpensive, but valuable items. They, too, could feel the Spirit of Giving through this gift. 

How much are we willing to give to bring light to the world, to make a difference, no matter how small? Are we willing to give up some of our most precious possessions to be Keepers of Kindness, Guardians of Light? These bandaids were such as the Widow's Mite, truly a sacrifice, yet one that needed to be given. There is goodness all around us. We can remember the storied of Light when we think of the tragic events of September 11th. Share the goodness. Give what you can. Be the Light in this dark world. 

Sharing Goodness,
Mama Dragon

I can Do Hard Things With God

Nearly two years ago, I met a beautiful lady who is a motivational speaker. In talking with her afterward, I knew we would truly be friends. She has that kind of personality- one that draws everyone to her, because each of is feel Light and Love radiating from her soul. She is a true follower of Christ. and I am grateful for the sisterhood she has offered me and the love she has brought into my life. 

As motivated as I was when she spoke about balancing and organizing our lives, I was even more thrilled when I heard about her first book release. This woman is truly inspired of God and I knew it would be just what I needed- especially when I learned of the title: I Can Do Hard Things With God. How thrilled I was to be able to have the funds to purchase it at her nearby book signing! The book came out shortly after one of my dearest friend's lost her baby and I knew how much I needed a healing hug from the author friend. I got just that when she signed my book that night. 

That evening, I went home, lovingly looked over the book and told myself I would start it tomorrow. I placed it on my shelf and went to sleep. The next day came and went and I did not pick up the book. As days turned into weeks, I looked at that book everyday, never picking it up. I knew it held something I was not quite ready to grasp in my grieving state of mind... hope. The months were some of the most emotionally and spiritually challenging I had ever had, and yet.... there the book sat. I did not tell my friend I had not read her book yet, because I knew she would be alright with my decision, probably making a comment like, "It is there when you are ready." She would be loving and understanding and supportive as usual and I just did not want that. I wanted to just be left alone by the world. I was angry and frustrated and struggling with my own path. 

Yesterday, months later, I finally picked up the beautiful book and began reading. A collection of essays from LDS women who have endured much affliction and somehow survived finally spoke to me. "Read me," it called out. "It is time. You need this. You are ready. Read me now." So, I did. I am reading. I am laughing. I am crying. I am relating. I am changed. 

I read a review that said this book should be on every shelf along with Scriptures. At the time, I thought maybe it was a bit exaggerated. Now I can see, the comment was spot on. This book is inspired. It is a gift. It is uplifting and it has answers... perhaps not the exact ones that you need, but something that each one of us can relate to: financial stress, health issues, spiritual awakenings.... the list goes on. If you are needing a boost, trying to figure out where to go from here, what comes next, I urge you to get this book. LDS or not, we, as women, can all relate to these stories. They are real, raw, and beautiful. 

Thanks to my friend following the whisperings of the Still Small Voice, I am reminded, once again, that I can do hard things with God. 

Finding Love, 

Mama Dragon