February has arrived with an air of warmth that was much needed after the subzero temperatures! I am truly thankful, although I do enjoy a few snowy days. 

Snow days don’t quite feel the same now that I’ve learned what they mean for many friends at Lubbock Impact. I used to think a snow day was a day off from school or work – time to play in the snow or stay cozy at home. Now, in the days leading up to cold weather, my prayer is that there are enough warm items to share and enough food available when the roads are iced over. I find myself thinking about individuals and families and praying they are okay. 

What has also become a hard reality is that when work shuts down, people living in poverty take a significant financial hit. One or two days with a snow or ice shutdown means no pay, and it also means that they’ll spend the rest of the month trying to catch up just to make rent. Moreover, the electric bill will be higher from trying to stay warm or heat escaping through cracks. An extra $25–$50 makes a big difference for someone living in poverty. 

Over the last several weeks, our challenge at Lubbock Impact has been to help people get back on track and keep moving forward. For some, that looks like conversations about finances and available resources. For others, it may be food from the pantry or participating in a GriefShare class. There is so much going on right now, and many participants need simply to hear a little extra encouragement. I don’t know about you, but it’s nice to hear a “good job” or “I see you trying really hard!” 

This brings to mind a couple of times I have recently been able to see participants blessed by the encouragement of others. One participant came down the stairs this week for Community Meal, and I quietly told her what a brave thing she was doing by starting GED classes and how incredibly proud I am of her. Her response shook me for a second: “You are the first person to tell me that, and I needed to hear it.” Simple words that I could have easily left unsaid, but they were words she desperately needed to hear.

Another participant, who was quiet and shy when he began coming months ago, has begun to reveal his personality lately. He is kind, helpful, and seeking friendship. We’ve had multiple conversations about financial needs, finding a job, and now how his new job is going. With each encounter, I see his confidence grow and his wit come out. Giving someone time and genuine interest goes a long way. 

As we get to know each other, we find ways to show we care and fill someone else’s cup. Both individuals have poured kind words and encouragement into me, so it naturally becomes something we do for each other. Good should be encouraged, especially when we all often face negativity and self-doubt. 

One of my favorite aspects of Lubbock Impact, something I’ve probably told you if we’ve met in person, is the depth our volunteers bring. When it comes to encouragers and prayer warriors, Lubbock Impact is blessed beyond measure. I hear them encouraging, supporting, and following up with participants about conversations and concerns that were shared. I’ll admit, I don’t know every participant’s life story, but my hope is that between our few staff and over 50 core volunteers, who serve at least once a week (most of them twice), we are building relationships that will be a blessing and a reminder that God loves them in all seasons of life. 

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. And love your neighbor as yourself.”