nDee’s lens titled Adopt a Family - How to Extend a Hand-UP in a Time of Need reminds us there are always those less fortunate than ourselves. She tells the story of her family making a conscious decision to help another family. No judgments, no pre-requisites, just giving in its’ purest form.
Her intro begins:
“Adopt a family? YES, you can do it! There's no attorney or complicated paperwork required. All you need is a heart of gold and the willingness to DO something good for someone else.”
The touch of humor is welcome and acknowledges that you have a choice. It’s not a hard sell. She draws you in and teaches, by example, how easy it is to help someone out this holiday season. She includes non-profit agencies that have Adopt-A-Family programs or suggests finding a local family yourself, as she did.
She walks you through the plan of action, step-by-step, including identifying the need, getting permission and assembling your donation. She takes away the time worn excuse “I don’t know how”. Towards the end, she reveals details about her chosen family that instantly reminded me of my mamaw saying, "Judge not, lest ye be judged".
Whether you choose to donate funds to a bell ringing Santa, police officers collecting toys or by the giving of your time at a local homeless shelter or food pantry, nDee makes a call to action.
Times are tough for all of us. This lensmaster gives us a gentle reminder that no matter what obstacles life has thrown in our path this year, we should look at our blessings and consider sharing what we can. I, personally, may not be able to donate financially as I have in the past, but I can always give of my time at no cost. I am sure it will be received by grateful hearts.
How will you pass on blessings this year?
Image Credit: Christmas is the Season Card by rosiesworkshop
Both lens and review are extremely thoughtful and well written. We, with our neighbors, have adopted a family each Christmas for the past 10 years. It is amazing that, for our kids, it is one of the best things they remember about growing up. So worthwhile for both parties.
ReplyDeleteKim, I agree. As parents we set an example we hope our kids will follow! I had the opportunity a few years ago to help out a friend and her two kids around the holidays. We both had tears streaming during the process and both remember the experience fondly. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad I had the opportunity to read Adopt-a-Family this Holiday Season and to 'meet' this delightful lensmaster nDee. Thanks for a wonderful Lens Review about her and her story.
ReplyDeleteVery inspirational lens, Mandee. A classic from nDee. Good to see her out and about here lately!
ReplyDeleteHi ladies! nDee has been trying to post here all day but for some reason it won't take. She has asked that I post the following for her:
ReplyDelete"With heartfelt thanks and eyes brimming with tears, Mandee, I want you to know how much I appreciate you choosing to review my lens and giving it some exposure. It was truly a labor of love and you treated it as such. Your review captured the spirit of my intent and undergirded its message: count your blessings and pass it on . . . however you can.
Like you, I've had years where all I could offer was "time" because finances were in short supply. And that "time" spent in the right places, multiplied into blessings to others that I couldn't have imagined.
Here's to passing on a blessing (or two) this holiday season and beyond,
nDee"
A wonderful review and a most inspiring lens by nDee. It really isn't so much about how much money we can give...the most remembered gifts are the acts of kindness. Money can't buy respect or dignity which is often stripped from those who find themselves on the losing end of this economy. When we can give these...we give hope.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully put Bev! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI love this idea and although I am not able to actually "do" a meal for someone this time I'd love to help a local family in need since I don't do much myself for Thanksgiving. Donations of money to help supply food is always appreciated too. I hope you all have a blessed day. Great review of an awesome lens.
ReplyDeleteThis is exactly how I would have written this, and the exact type of article I myself was looking for. Everyone here has said the same thing, which shows me the character. Excellent review, and excellent message for everyone !
ReplyDeletePam, there are always options for helping and I know you will find one that works for you! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Kathy, that means a lot to me.