Go Beyond

   Four years ago, my friend Gemma Torres told me about a remarkable woman who has a ministry to one of the most vulnerable segments of society — mentally challenged homeless adults. The more I learned the more interested I became in meeting this woman named Mary Lee. So, I called Mary and she invited me to visit her at “Something Blessed,” the name of her boarding home located on the south side of Houston. With directions in hand, I made the forty-mile journey from suburban Katy to Something Blessed.

   Mary was standing outside when I arrived and greeted me with a handshake and a hug. Less than a minute later, an older man walked out of the dining room holding up his pants. As he walked toward us it became apparent that he had just soiled his pants. Behind him was a trail of diarrhea. As he approached he said, “Ms. Mary, I messed my pants. What should I do?” Mary slowly and deliberately explained to him that he should bathe and then change his clothes. “But, my pants are dirty,” he replied. Mary then patiently explained that he should put on a clean pair of pants after his bath. I was immediately impressed with Mary and remember thinking that you have to be called to do the kind of work that she does.

   Over the past four years, I have mobilized hundreds of volunteers to assist Mary. These volunteers have helped to update the facilities at Something Blessed and help deliver food throughout the year. And, anyone who has ever served at Something Blessed has come away with the same favorable impression of Mary. A couple of years ago I took my Mom and Dad to meet Mary. Mom and Mary instantly hit it off. They talked like two old friends. After returning home, Mom started sending clothes and charged me with the responsibility of taking them to Mary Lee. Mom always asked about Mary and the folks under her care and prayed for her regularly.

   Earlier this year Mary was diagnosed with cancer. A few weeks later my Mom was diagnosed with cancer. Both Mary and Mom were deeply concerned for one another. My Mom passed away very shortly after her diagnosis. Mary is still battling cancer. This week my Dad and I took a truck-load of groceries to Something Blessed along with a donation from Kingsland’s missions ministry. Although weak from her fourth round of chemo-therapy, Mary continues to serve those in need. She has lost sight in her left eye because of the cancer and is still fed through a tube in her stomach yet continues to care for others every day. She has a remarkable attitude and says that every day of life is a precious opportunity to serve the Lord by serving others.

   Thanksgiving is going to be tough for my family this year — our first holiday without Mom. But, we are going to celebrate the day by giving thanks to God for our precious Mom and for all she did to orient us toward loving God and serving others. And, I am personally going to also give thanks for Mary Lee, another precious woman who continues to love and serve God in spite of her cancer. My Mom never once complained nor cried foul because of her cancer. And, I have never heard Mary Lee complain. These two precious ladies remind me of how blessed I am and that I should make the most of every day and every opportunity to be a blessing to others.

   I hope you will give thanks to God for the many ways in which He demonstrates His kindness to you. Don’t overlook even the smallest thing, like waking up to a new day of life. And, determine that you will do more than hold your hand out waiting for God to bless you. Go out and be a blessing to someone in need. Be the reason why someone else gives thanks to God.