We Saw Jesus in the Flesh

Yesterday, we saw Jesus in the flesh. How can that be? Jesus put it this way: “ For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:35,40

These photos capture a day of Christmas "love" unlike any other. Last year, I met Susie Jennings, who is the Founder and President of Operation Care. Susie stepped out in faith and obedience to God when she resigned from her nurse supervisory position at Baylor University Medical Center, to become a full time missionary to those in need. She desired to serve God and her community after the tragic death of her husband when she asked God "What do you want me to do for you?" Then she said, "Don't ask God that question, because He will tell you." At that time, Susie didn't like homeless people, but that's where God took her -- right to where most of the homeless live in Dallas. Her first mission was to buy blankets for them. She rallied her friends to help her in November, 1993. The homeless called her, “The Blanket Lady.” That beginning was the start of Operation Care which, for the 15th year, ministers to homeless and impoverished families here and in nations around the world. Her spunk, energy and obvious love for God's "misfits" inspired us so much last year, that we knew we wanted to be a part of the event again this year.

When the call-out came several months ago for volunteers to fill the 76 committees that make this “machine” work for this year’s event, my daughter and son, Staci and Larry, and their children went to see how they could get involved. Little did they realize that when they said “Yes” to do anything for God a few months earlier, that they would say “Yes” to be the Event’s Coordinators this year There are no adequate words to express what that “Yes” has meant in terms of their time, travel, technological support and commitment. Suffice it to say they assumed “full time responsibilities” that changed the course of their lives. I can’t begin to express how proud I was and am for their hearts that are so passionate about seeing the lives of these beautiful people impacted.

Apparently, my sunny disposition qualified me to be with former NFL Football Player for the New England Patriots, Devin Wyman, to welcome all the homeless and homeless veterans that came into the convention center, some of whom were camped out for nearly 14 hours. My elf-ness and my sense of humor and cheer seemed to warm them up on a very cold morning. What a joy it was to reach out my arms to give hugs and handshakes. One time I reached my arms way out and the gentleman threw his arms out sideways. He assumed I was getting ready to frisk him because he’s so used to being frisked going in and coming out of places. Reality check! Oh the stories they could tell!

Dallas Mayor, Mike Rawlings, welcomed us at one of Dallas' Top 10 most highly appreciated and respected events. Nick Vujici, New York Times bestselling author, was the featured speaker for both main stages: the homeless side and the children’s side. Nick, born without arms and legs, inspired the guests and the volunteers with his “nothing is impossible” attitude in overcoming obstacles and achieving dreams. He gratefully attests to God’s grace when he speaks of his beautiful wife and four children under the age of 5. He says “I don’t have arms to reach out to hug my children, but my children arms to reach out and hug me.”

I wish you could have seen the faces of the children receiving toys, playing on the blow up equipment, the zip line, riding the ponies, hearing the “true story of Christmas” from St. Nicholas, having their feet washed and receiving a new pair of shoes and coats. The same is true on the adult side where they too have their feet washed and receive shoes and coats, medical attention and so much more. It is a day packed full of being the hands of feet of Jesus. What a birthday party He puts on for Himself! Unless you can see it with your own eyes, it is unimaginable – mostly, because we are people of so much “plenty”. It’s easy to remark, “What a shame”, and go on our way. But, God shows up with His people and organizations that go the distance in making a difference.

This Christmas season beckons us to have hearts of giving – pitching in a little cash into the Salvation Army kettle, donating coats from our overstocked closets, buying a gift for an Angel Tree child, or volunteering at an organization that does so much for the underprivileged on a daily basis. We can do something. While the recipients experience so much love, GIVERS of that love and compassion are sincerely on the RECEIVING end of so many blessings -- way beyond what we give. Here’s some examples:

1) Our eyes our opened to the blessings we have, and to the "little things" we take for granted and we become more thankful.
2) Our hearts of compassion are opened.
3) The dissatisfied and grumpy attitudes that we have dwindle to softness and appreciation.
4) Blinders fall off our eyes and we see the needs of others far greater than our own needs.
5) We start to re-evaluate spending senseless dollars on gifts for family and friends that we know will be tossed in a corner within just a few minutes or hours of having received them.
6) We start to desire to help support volunteers do what they do.
7) We have unmistakable and contagious joy because we gave.
8) We start to realize WHY we are here on this earth.

God demonstrated how to give when He gave His only Son to us. That's what Christmas is all about. The Reason for this Season. Could it possibly be that God has been waiting on us to live with PURPOSE -- making a difference in the lives of others? Mother Teresa said, "What we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But if that drop was not in the ocean, I think the ocean would be less because of that missing drop,"
"For God so loved the world that He GAVE......." John 3:16