“I’m not looking for a handout; I just need a fair chance.” Those were the words of a single father from southern Utah who was about to become homeless with a 9year old son. The story was published by the local newspaper earlier this week. It’s about a man who lost his job after 7 years in the landscaping business only to find a part-time dish-washing job for $7.50 an hour. Not making nearly enough to pay the rent, he had to move. And the utilities to his apartment had been shut off earlier in the week because the money just wasn’t there to pay the bill. The story goes on as he loads a friend’s car with what things he could take with him for his son. With no money, no place to go and no job to support his family. But to my delight dozens of people in his community helped with money donations, one with a car to help him get around and a local business co-owner gave him a job with a future, some temporary housing for him and his son and food to get them through for a few weeks.

This story drew my attention for more than one reason but the main reason being that even in this time of financial hardship we have to help our neighbors. No matter our own financial situation something big or small can and needs to be done. If anyone understands better it is the people who are struggling themselves, like me, and can respect, appreciate and relate to others in need. I also walk in the shoes of financial hardship right now, not knowing from month to month how I am going to pay all the bills, feed the kids and just simply survive. And I wonder how I can help another family when I am not even sure how to help my own family.

Not having the financial means to help someone in need doesn’t mean you still can’t help. There are many organizations out there like, local newspapers, radio stations and churches that are willing to help they just need to know where the help is needed. You can be that struggling family’s voice. Believe me when I say it is not always a matter of pride that stands in the way of asking for help. There are times when the situation has gone beyond pride and becomes sheer hopelessness in a person’s ability to provide for their family. A few years ago my family faced poverty head on. My husband worked in construction and his hours had dwindled to near nothing. I can remember many nights him and I went to bed hungry to make sure there was enough food for our 4 kids. It was during Christmas time and my mom, in her own financial despair had taken her last $150 to buy our family food. There were no thoughts of Christmas in our house; we were just trying to make sure the power stayed on. One of the local radio stations was hosting a charitable Christmas event in which my mom wrote in, explained our situation and we were given $500 towards food and Christmas for our kids. She was my voice during one of the most difficult times in our lives! I had reached the point where asking for help seemed impossible, I didn’t know where to turn or who to turn to anymore. To this day I am still grateful for that donation and to my mom for finding a way to help us when we really needed it most.

Please pay attention to the needs of your family, friends and neighbors. If you think there is a need, help that person get it. Not only will it benefit you in feeling a complete sense of selflessness, but it will never be forgotten by them I GUARANTEE IT!! I would like to hear your stories. Knowing that we are not alone in these times of hardship may not help the financial situation we are in but knowing that we are not alone in our struggles means so much. We can relate, support and lend a hand in many ways. And to those that can help others let us know how to find you.

And in closing to the local business owner who offered this dad a job, a temporary roof over his head and a few weeks worth of groceries – As we have grown up side by side there are many moments from the past in which I stand tall and proud to call you my brother but none as tall or as proud as today. Your willingness to give to others, the selfless acts and the fact that you have faith in everyone. You see the potential in the future and not the mistakes of the past and for that you amaze me. I have watched over the years as you opened your doors to family and friends not because you felt obligated but because you felt that everyone needs to just be given a chance to succeed.  See the thing that makes you different from the other many generous people out there is that you have walked in the shoes of many in needs in one way or the other and therefore you don’t cast judgment you just simply understand and respect. Your contribution to this struggling mans life will change his life and will also change the way many people view the need for help in our society. Thank You for being who you are and thank you for giving me yet another reason to be proud to call you my little brother!!

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