When Sara walked through the doors of the Foundations of Healing Clinic, she carried more than just her health concerns, she carried exhaustion and worry. Life had been heavy. She didn’t fully understand why she felt so worn down, but losing her health insurance, followed by her job, had left her feeling overwhelmed. With children at home and her husband working long hours to keep the family afloat, Sara’s own health had fallen to the bottom of the list. But when she heard about the Foundations of Healing Clinic, she arrived with a glimmer of hope; hope that she might find help and relief.
As we learned about the needs of her family this holiday season, I had the privilege of calling Sara last week with exciting news: her family had been recommended for a Christmas blessing. Before I could even explain what that meant, Sara began sharing how Diane Taylor, the Clinic Director, had been incredibly kind in helping manage her ongoing diagnoses, and how the doctor had provided reassurance and peace of mind.
Our conversation soon turned to her family’s needs during this challenging season. Sara’s only requests were for her family’s practical needs, and it gave us the chance to discuss the many resources Lubbock Impact provides beyond no-cost medical care. I invited her family to our Christmas party: a celebration filled with food, crafts, a live nativity, and the chance to gather as a community to watch the Miracle on 34th Street Christmas Parade.
Sara and her family accepted with excitement, and the joy on their faces that day was unforgettable. Experiencing the warmth, community, and festive spirit wasn’t just a blessing for them, it was a blessing for me too. Now, armed with knowledge of the resources available to them, they plan to attend our Tuesday Community Meals and continue connecting with the support systems at Lubbock Impact in the weeks ahead.
Stories like Sara’s are why Lubbock Impact exists: to help the working poor navigate the resources they need to care for themselves and their families, and to witness the love of Christ in action.
Just last week, I reminded a participant that God’s faithfulness is evident in the life they are living today. We reflected on the struggles they faced earlier this year; times that felt impossible to overcome. “Look at all the Lord has carried you through,” I said. “He will faithfully walk beside you through this too.”
The Lord heard the cry of our hearts and delivered His greatest gift: His Son, Jesus. That is the reason we celebrate. As we anticipate and prepare for His birth, may we remember that Jesus came to lead us out of darkness and into the Light. The seasons of despair remind us why His hope, peace, joy, and love are so powerful.
Thank you for standing with Lubbock Impact and helping us share these opportunities for hope with others.
Sara’s name has been changed to protect her privacy.