There is a famous saying in Nebraska: ‘If you do not like the weather, just wait around and it will change.’
Every year we have severe weather. If it isn’t an ice storm, it is a severe thunderstorm with hail, strong winds, tornados and flooding. I would like to thank Curt Krueger, who traveled the diocese to assess the damage and to offer help the morning after the deluge of rain. Thanks also to our other staff members who were helping out.
The morning after the severe weather in which Lincoln received more than 6 inches of rain, I met a woman in our parking lot carrying a good-sized sack of groceries. After greeting her, she tearfully informed me she was in the midst of cleaning up her basement because of the flooding and although she was not a wealthy lady, she felt compelled to go to the grocery store and buy food for our pantry to help those who are worse off than she was. Before we said our ‘goodbyes’ I imparted my priestly blessing to her.
I was amazed and edified that in the midst of her clean-up, she felt moved by the Holy Spirit to think of others – evidence to me of her selfless love of neighbor which is evidence of her love of God who is love (see first John).
I am excited to inform you that we are participating in the Give to Lincoln Day, which is being held Thursday, May 28, sponsored by the Lincoln Community Foundation.
By participating, each dollar will count even more because we will receive a share of a $300,000 match fund provided by the Lincoln Community Foundation and their sponsors. The more that is donated, the more we will receive from the matching fund, which will be used to help needy individuals and families that come to us seeking emergency services and grants for counseling services for those who are un-insured or under-insured.
I love to tell people that whatever you give, God will place two zeros behind your donation and that will be your deposit to your 401-K plan in heaven, for God rewards us one-hundred fold.
I would like to thank the lady mentioned above, who later sent an e-mail which in part said, “Dear Beloved Friend, Your blessing the day I dropped off food to the Catholic office on “O” strengthened me and let me have peace … I promise to keep you in my prayers always and ask that you remember me and my family in your sacrifice of the holy Mass... God bless you. Your new friend.”
I would like to thank her for her selfless love for Jesus Christ who lives in the poor and needy, and to all of our donors who selflessly love their neighbor by supporting us. I pray that the upcoming Give to Lincoln Day is a success.
To learn more and to donate online May 28, please visit www.GiveToLincoln.com. Or, if you wish to donate at the office of the Lincoln Community Foundation, they will be accepting donations on May 28. They are located at 215 Centennial Mall South from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Please know that all of you, your families and intentions are in our prayers at Catholic Social Services as we pray for you daily!
