I Choose Him.

It's hard to believe that I let three months pass by without a blog post! Like the rest of the world, COVID interrupted life. Not only were schools shut down and distance learning implemented, but I saw baby Andrew (who is now 22 months old) through his second surgery. On top of that, we packed up a U-Haul and drove across the country for the summer. Sometime during all of this, I spoke to a coach who helps public speakers refine their image and promote themselves.

In our discussion, I told him that about my Thinking Catholic business and that I could speak on any topic from veteran's issues, to the pro-life movement, Down syndrome awareness, or all things Catholic. He told me that I should only stick to one topic and advised me to stay far away from speaking about Catholic topics. He strongly encouraged me not to speak at churches or private schools if I wanted to make any money. I was informed that speaking about Catholic topics wouldn't get me very far and that my business would not be profitable. WHAT!?!

I told him thank you, and hung up the phone. I am a person who is grounded in morals and strongly values the Catholic faith. I cannot go out and speak on anything if I cannot interweave the Catholic faith. I just won't do it. This speaking coach gave me two options. One, choose money. Or two, choose Christ. I have, and always will, choose Christ.

However, maybe I didn't choose Christ after all. Perhaps, He chose me. John 15:16 says, "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you." I am beyond humbled to be called to not only write blogs and freelance articles, but to have the opportunity to speak to so many via EWTN shows or on stage. This is definitely not the plan I had envisioned for my life. Good grief, I thought I was going to grow up and become an astronaut! God certainly had other plans for me and I am so grateful. I hope the fruit that I bear is one that will win hearts for God. This is my prayer. This is my mission in life.

When the country shut down because of the Coronavirus pandemic, so did the churches. I remember crying on baby Andrew’s shoulder. Then I remembered that WE are the Church. You and I are called to bring God’s Word into a hurting world. We are called to check on our neighbors to ensure they have enough food - and toilet paper. You and I are called to be Christ’s foot soldiers, acting as He does, by loving and supporting others. When the country shut down, Christ rose up.

Because of the pandemic and concern for others, my neighbors courageously organized a food collection site and delivered thousands of pounds of pantry staples to local food shelters, all while parenting and educating four young children. They also made hundreds of sandwiches and organized an online sign-up sheet for other families to take part in their mission. The sandwiches were delivered to the local Martha’s Table. This is one of the many examples of how I have witnessed Christ taking care of others by inspiring His foot soldiers. My neighbors chose Christ and have established “Be The Good Project.”

"Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." - Deuteronomy 31:6

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p.s. Here is more information if you would like to support the “Be The Good Project.”

My friend, Amber, posted this on Facebook.

Welcome new friends!! 👋 Sterling & I started this project in the beginning of June after reading a lot about food insecurity during the pandemic. As the parents of four young kids, we are especially concerned about the impact on families and young children in our area.

All you have to do is Google “food pantry” and you’ll quickly learn that food banks nationwide are seeing an unprecedented surge in need during this crisis, and the burden on children is especially troublesome. Prior to covid, food insecurity affected 1 in 6 children. Feeding America now estimates 1 in 4 children will experience food insecurity in the next year.

In addition to the increased need, there are reports of decreased grocery donations. Stores that can typically donate to food pantries are reporting they can spare less because prices are rising and people are purchasing more groceries while they’re home.

With the help of our generous friends, family, and neighbors, this project has donated almost 2,500 POUNDS of food and water for families who need supplemental groceries in our area. We’re also on track to provide more than 1,800 sandwiches to Martha’s Table in July.

If you’re interested in helping us reach more people who are experiencing hunger in DC and VA, there are a few ways to help!

* We are accepting funds to buy more food in bulk. 💪 Every dollar goes directly to purchase food for families who receive supplemental groceries at local food pantries. https://www.paypal.me/InfiniteJests

* I’m drawing custom doodles for the food drive! Check out Instagram.com/rooscribbles to learn more — all proceeds raised from portraits go to buy more food! ✏️

* We’ll be listing more dates to make sandwiches in August! 🥪 All sandwiches are delivered to Martha’s Table in DC. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F054BACA62AAAFB6-sandwich

We are so grateful for your continued willingness to help, and we can’t wait to see how God uses this project moving forward. As a result of your time and generosity, we know that you are directly helping people and their families who are experiencing hunger during this unprecedented time. 🤟💛