During the beginning of the pandemic, I felt a strong urge from the Lord to have an attitude of “giving without limits.” This was a challenge as the world around us was shutting down and many people were not only losing their jobs, but were being displaced from their living situations. I think naturally these circumstances make us want to hold a tighter grip on our things rather than to give them away, yet I felt this strong urge otherwise. I thought to myself, “Well, I still have a job, a roof over my head, food in the fridge, so what do I have to lose?”

Once I chose to carry out this call, I felt that my eyes began to be opened by the needs of those around me. In Hawaii, a tourism-based economy, being shut down had a huge effect on the people here. Many lost their homes and our beach parks were filled with displaced families who had lost everything. I was used to seeing this on missions trips to other countries, but not this much in the United States. Hundreds and hundreds of people were living on the beaches, without anything. The youth group and myself responded to the need in our community and began going twice a week to bring toiletries and food to those in need. We partnered with our local food bank and would set up a free store at the beach park for them to come and shop. It was amazing to see the response and to see how grateful everyone was to receive these items. Each week more people would come feeling comfortable to open up and share their stories with us. It was so fulfilling and so amazing! 

There was such a rooted joy in a season where fear ran rampant. Turning off the mic to the voice of fear and responding to the call of God is a beautiful thing! I never saw God fall short in the supply for a need. As the community heard and saw what was happening, week after week the giving attitude became contagious. To the credit of God’s provision, I never ran out of funds, and I never went without. We can never out-give God!

The other day I was reminded of this when I opened my email to a story that hit at all of my heart strings and became a reminder of the will one must choose to overcome – it was from one of the girls who will be attending our Beautifully Flawed Retreat in California. The young lady began sharing about the struggle she has had since losing her leg and how she yearns to find a safe haven amongst others who have faced similar struggles as her. Losing a limb while still an adolescent comes with many struggles, but one of the greatest struggles is overcoming the looks or comments which come at such a vulnerable time.

She began to share about being homeless while overcoming limb loss and that due to circumstances outside of her control, she is still homeless today, and therefore she would not be able to attend the retreat. I was inspired by her story. She did not feel sorry for herself and she hadn’t given up hope. She is still in school, fighting to move forward since losing her leg, and is pushing to overcome her homelessness. We have a scholarship fund for attendees where some of our supporters have donated to help get attendees to these life-changing retreats. I was able to share with her about these scholarships, and because of that, our organization was able to provide for her to attend the retreat free of charge. She was absolutely elated by the news that she would be attending our retreat this October! 

This is the other side of giving, the side where our giving gets to make a difference in the life of someone who has faced so much adversity, but refuses to give up.

Her story has inspired me! Hosting retreats during COVID has had its challenges. Raising funds when so many are struggling is challenging. Disappointments of things not going as I hoped they would, people encouraging me to cancel these retreats can be challenging. What matters most is what we do with the things we are called to. I know that when God calls us to move, we ought to move. Sometimes in the midst of challenges, all we have to hold onto is a hope and a promise. God promises to provide for all our needs, and our hope is that He will use these retreats to inspire others who are not sure where their voice is in their story. Each of us has the power to make a difference, to be a part of something greater than ourselves. To inspire others with the hope we have. 

We are still in need to raise funds for our upcoming retreats. We are a small non-profit, and pulling off three retreats in one year is a lot. We feel called to do this. We feel God is going to use this retreat to inspire hope in those who have suffered and faced so much. Their story is not over and God is not done with them – He is writing a chapter of beauty which will impact the world. If you are able to help us, we still have needs to fulfill our giving campaign. All donated funds are tax-deductible and I know that come the end of the year, we are always looking for places we can give. I humbly ask that you not wait until the last minute, please consider giving to help us cover the cost of these retreats. To date, we have given 6 scholarships for this year’s retreats…no one will ever not come because they can’t pay! Check out our online giving platform to see how you too can help us help others.