Shoes with Wings...

Yesterday, we distributed shoes to the men, women and children of the Atlanta Mission.  Some of our great friends from KIND snacks joined us to help, as well as several of the young men from Morehouse College in Atlanta.

We started around lunchtime in the Men's Mission, right in view of Centennial Park.  We were able to serve over 100 men in a two hour period.  Sweet souls who are trying, truly trying, to better themselves and live a clean life.  They were humble, thankful and excited.  I am always in awe of the fact that wherever I go and distribute our shoes, whether it is Antigua, Guatemala, or Atlanta, Georgia...there is a twinkle in their eye when they receive shoes. 

When we give someone a pair of shoes, yes, we are meeting a physical need, but more importantly, we are giving them the promise that the world has not given up on them.

I had a very interesting experience yesterday.  We were in need of a few more volunteers and we utilized 5 of the men in the program at the mission who are progressing very well.  They helped us organize the inventory and run shoes to the fitters also.  As the men's distribution progressed, they also helped fit!  They were given their shoes first, and it was so clear to me as they worked that they experienced so much joy in serving with us.  As we finished up, they asked about the Women's and Children's distribution that afternoon and wanted to come help.  We cleared it with the director, and our little motley crue went to Distribution #2 that afternoon. 

We set up quickly and began to fit the Women and Children, and I watched these 5 sweet men work so hard alongside the rest of us.  For one in particular, it was a chance for him to utilize his excellent customer service skills.  He had sold upscale men's shoes in the past, and I watched him in wonder as he gave everyone so much attention and care.  

It was amazing. 

Within the walls of the Mission, we were a group of people serving together, bonding with each other as we put our agendas aside and loved through serving. 

Outside of those walls, sadly, it is often a different story.

We equipped these men  yesterday, and it empowered them.  They were a part of something bigger than themselves.  As I drove back home last night, I thought of how powerful the day was.  If only we could equip everyone around us, give them the tools to soar, and then watch them fly.

A big job, yes.

But not impossible....

Somebody made us fly, why can't we do the same?