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AFF News
Reaching Out
I must say that when I read some of the articles submitted to Austin Faith & Family this month, my heart was stirred. Ive always considered myself as someone with helping hands, but I' m pretty sure that a lot of times my hands are selective in when and to whom they are open. Fear, prejudice, and selfishness often tend to keep our hands closed. However, I know from experience that when our hands are open to receive blessings, they must also stay open to let those blessings pour out on others around us.
We hope that you will keep this months special edition on your coffee table, at the top of your bookcase, or somewhere out in the open, to remind of you opportunities and places to give. The nonprofits listed are just a few of the many, many places available to offer an open hand. Through one article from FamilyLinks in a past issue, a family became interested in fostering a child. In the article on MS150, you will read of a man who selflessly rode to raise funds for a disease that doesnt even affect anyone he knows, but he wanted to give back what he had received for his family in other areas, from other places. Thats real giving. I had no idea there were so many ways to get involved at the Texas Baptist Childrens Home, where planning a party for a kids birthday can be a whole family event, with mom and dad, brother and sister giving of their talents and treasures. And donating blood to the local blood bank can actually save a persons life! We just dont realize the awesome task at hand, and the abilities we all have to complete that task.
You will notice that our cover does not include the face of just one person this month. Instead, we have a collage of hands of all shapes, sizes and color, reaching out to our city, supporting those in need, cheering those on who are out there giving of their time, and reaching out to the One above for blessings to share. We hope this issue inspires all of us to open our hands. Two hands can lift a few pounds and carry a light load, but many hands can lift multitudes to their feet and carry them to a higher place
Marcy Lytle
Editor, Austin Faith & Family
