Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Hotel on the Conner of Bitter and Sweet

I worked in the garden most of the day today with my oldest son and his friend Ben. I noticed two things about the day. One was the beauty of the sky, blue as could be and the green of the grass in contrast. Add to that the flowers that are in bloom and it created that "stop and appreciate the beauty around me" kind of feeling. The second thing that loomed in the background of my appreciation of the beauty around me, was the destruction and devastation that others in our country were experiencing.


How could I be enjoying this gorgeous day when others were witnessing and partaking in something they could not imagine the reality of in their wildest dreams? The unspeakable fear...It made me think of a title of a book that I saw at Barnes and Noble that stopped me in my tracks some time ago,
  The Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet. 
I remember thinking at that time, "Wow, what a great title for Life."Don't we all live on a corner that has moments both bitter and sweet? 
Today exemplifies that feeling a hundred times over.








For those who have not been affected by the tornadoes in Oklahoma and are living surrounded by the beauty of everyday, here are some ways that you can help those who are living through some bitter times. These updates were posted on Ree Drummond's Blog, The Pioneer Woman. Thanks Ree for keeping us informed of how we could help.

Salvation Army
Supporters are encouraged to give online at www.SalvationArmyUSA.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769). You can also text the word “STORM” to 80888 to make a $10 donation through your mobile phone; to confirm your gift, respond with the word “Yes.”
Samaritan’s Purse
Samaritan’s Purse has deployed a team to Moore, Oklahoma and will respond to the current needs in any way they can.
Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma
The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, in partnership with Oklahoma Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, is asking that the public support all rescue, recovery and disaster relief efforts with donations of cash to your favorite responding charity. Financial donations will allow disaster relief agencies to purchase whatever items are deemed necessary without resulting in the additional burden of securing warehouse space and volunteers to work donated product.
To make a tax deductible donation to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, go to www.regionalfoodbank.org or call 604-7111 or text FOOD to 32333 to give $10 to relief efforts.
Feeding America
Feeding America will deliver truckloads of food, water and supplies to impacted areas through its network of more than 200 food banks and 61,000 agencies. The organization’s food banks will also set up additional dropoff sites.
Convoy of Hope
International humanitarian relief organization Convoy of Hope is responding to the Moore, Okla. area this morning. Immediately after the devastating tornadoes struck, a Convoy of Hope assessment team was in the area and tractor-trailers were loaded with emergency supplies at Convoy of Hope’s World Distribution Center in Springfield, Missouri.
Those wishing to make a contribution to the OKC and Midwest tornado relief efforts can make a secure online contribution by visiting: http://www.convoyofhope.org. To place a $10 donation on your cellular bill, text the word CONVOY to 50555. Standard text and data rates apply.
UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief)
100% of Oklahoma-directed donations will go toward relief efforts.
American Red Cross
People who wish to make a donation can support American Red Cross Disaster Relief, which helps provide food, shelter and emotional support to those affected by disasters like the recent tornadoes in Oklahoma and Texas as well as disasters big and small throughout the United States by visiting redcross.org, dialing 1-800-REDCROSS or texting REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
Central OK Humane Society (For the pets left homeless and injured.)
Currently greatest need is financial donations to help treat and house lost and injured animals. Current in-kind needs are: Towels, paper towels, bleach, gloves, and crates. All donations can be taken to either Central Park Dog Daycare location (2905 NW 70th and 5420 N. Classen Blvd.) Pet food donations may be taken there as well.
Thank you for sending your love and prayers to Oklahoma. This is our home and it’s hard to see the suffering. ~ Ree
Let's all help the people of Oklahoma in whatever ways we can. May they experience beauty in their lives again soon.
Meg



No comments: