Grace is a funny word. Many of us don’t really understand grace because we don’t often experience it.
Grace is defined as “the giving of unmerited favor”. In the shelter night context, it goes both ways between shelter guests and volunteers. Guests push boundaries of known expectations. Volunteers extend a bit of grace and understanding for someone experiencing a very difficult time in life.
Volunteers get busy in the chaos of checking guests in for the night. Mistakes are made or promises for the extra blanket are forgotten. Guests extend a bit of grace and understanding toward the volunteer who is doing their best to welcome everyone into a situation in which not everyone knows everyone else.
Grace…and forgiveness. Two words that define shelter nights for Severe Weather Shelter Network. Two words that it is good for us to remember as we journey together in this world. After all, we are in it together, whether we remember that at times or not.
Severe Weather Shelter Network is now two and a half weeks into the 40 HANDS in forty days campaign with 39 other worthy organizations. Here is my challenge to you:
- Visit 40handsinfortydays.org and review the organizations represented
- Give your best gift today to the organization of your choice.
- Invest $25 or more, as you are led, in Severe Weather Shelter Network with your one time gift today.
Thank you! Thank you for helping us pour grace and kindness into the guests who stay with us each shelter night. Your gift at this time makes an immediate difference for our guests.
Lynn Ann Huizingh
Executive Director