Katie Nelson

A couple months ago, my daughter woke up from a nap crying uncontrollably and grabbing at her ear. I couldn’t console her, so I drove her straight to urgent care. I thought it was probably an ear infection.

Within 3 minutes we were at urgent care. Within 15 minutes we were being seen by a doctor. Within 30-40 minutes we were picking up her antibiotics. It was Friday afternoon, so thankfully urgent care wasn’t very busy – but still. I came home so grateful that I could immediately get my little one the medicine she needed. She was still in a lot of pain, but I had access to Tylenol to help with the pain and I knew the antibiotics would take care of the infection in a few days.

Immediately, I thought about moms who might not have access to medicine and how much I wanted to make sure they too would be able to help their babies. I can’t imagine not being able to get my daughter the medical care she needs. That would be the worst feeling in the world.

Usually, I would wallow in guilt because I have access to a hospital, medicine, doctors… and other moms might not. Instead, I decided to pray about finding an organization I could support so that I could help mom’s get care for their kids. This, in turn, led me to just want to help people in general get access to medical care.

Honestly, this was a huge growth moment for me. I knew it was God at work. Guilt, shame, and worry have always been my go to… but I realize now that they are useless. However, if we let our gratitude lead us to action, we can actually make a difference.

No, I might not be able to help all moms, kids, and people everywhere. But, God’s not asking me to do everything by myself. He put this one thing on my heart. And, He can do a lot with a little. Remember the mustard seed?

The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” And the Lord answered, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.  -Luke 17:6 Berean Study Bible

There are so many good causes out there. So many important ways that we can help. But, don’t get caught up in the numbers. What’s the organization you’ve been meaning to give to but keep forgetting to? Or that organization you want to give to, but aren’t sure if they are trustworthy so you’re going to keep researching them… and researching them – instead of having faith and giving a little? Or that person you’ve been meaning to call or go see? Make it a priority. Fight your fears , worries, doubts, resistance. You won’t regret it.

What’s one thing you can do today to help someone else? And if you’re wondering where to start… Think about one thing you are grateful for and let that lead you to pass that blessing on to someone else. 

“God wants to use you to make other people happy! And the happier you make others, the happier you will be because you reap what you sow.” – Joyce Meyer