It's not just chili

My friend Allison started a ministry called Lazarus (www.LazarusAtlanta.org) which facilitates several events throughout the year including the Superbowl party that I recently posted pics from. For 10 years she has coordinated teams of volunteers to stand outside a local shelter and serve hot chocolate during the winter, lemonade during the summer 3 nights a week. Last winter the shelter asked Lazarus ministries to come inside it's doors and help serve the 200 women and children who sleep on the floor in the activities area. Again this year we were invited to help with the overflow during the cold winter months. So every Tues night groups of volunteers prepare hot chili, bread and lemonade. We go inside the shelter, serve dinner and play with kids. My small group volunteered to serve a couple of weeks ago. With several distributing food Helen and I sat with Tiffany. She wasn't going to eat because she didn't want to leave her baby and things behind to stand in line. I held her 1 month old while Helen brought her food. As she ate we sat and talked. She told us of her journey that lead her to the shelter with a 1 month old. Her strength inspired me. 

The story didn't end there. A few days later as I was walking into the grocery store a lady comes up to me in the parking lot, wraps her arms around me and before I can realize who or what's happening I'm embracing her. After a long hug we pull away and I realize it's Tiffany! She shared quickly where life had taken her in the past week and thanked me again for treating her like a real person. (as if I'd think she were anything less) It's moments like this that remind me that love is necessary for life.