In a time when negativity surrounds us, it’s important to spread positivity and be the light for others who are struggling. These are some simple ways to do so in 2019:
1. Use social media for good
Social media is a go-to time filler for many people. And while it helps bring us together, it also has broken many apart through messages of hate and negativity. Take the initiative to use social media for good — to spread uplifting stories, bring attention to charitable fundraisers and share messages of hope when people may need it the most.
2. Be available to listen and offer support
There are times when all a person needs is to have someone there to listen. Be a listening ear for others to vent their frustrations and worries by motivating, encouraging and helping them through their difficult times.
3. Partake in random acts of kindness
Challenge yourself to brighten the days of others with random acts of kindness each day — whether that’s paying for coffee for the next person in line at the coffee shop or making care packages for the patients at a local hospital.
4. Compliment others
Take the time to acknowledge the qualities you like most about your family, friends and acquaintances by complimenting them. Acknowledge their achievements and strengths, and let them know all they truly have to offer the world.
5. Write notes of encouragement
Set aside some time to write up encouraging notes to pass out to others you encounter in public who seem to be having a bad day. If you see a stressed parent at the grocery store whose child just had a tantrum, give them a note letting them know they are a good parent. If you come across an overwhelmed retail worker or restaurant server, give them a note to tell them they are doing a good job. The point is just to let people know that everything is going to be OK.
6. Spend time with residents at a nursing home
Plan a day to spend at a local nursing home to bring joy to its residents. Ask them what they enjoy doing the most, and participate in that activity with them. If it’s painting or making crafts, create with them. If it’s watching movies, watch with them. If it’s playing board games, play with them. Spend quality time with residents, and make sure they know they are not alone.
7. Ask someone how they are doing
Check in with a family member, friend or neighbor you haven’t heard from in a while, and ask them, “How are you?” If everything is well, let them know you are happy for them. If they are going through difficulties, be there for them and ask them how you can help. This lets them know someone is thinking about them — in the good and bad times.
8. Be a mentor
Commit to being a mentor for youth in your community who could use a confidence boost. Offer to help them with schoolwork, give them advice as they face obstacles, and be someone they can count on.
9. Say “thank you”
Make it a habit to always say “thank you” to show people you appreciate what they do for you. By expressing your gratitude, you are letting them know that what they do really matters and is making a difference.
10. Cheer others on
Be there to support your family and friends as they work toward achieving something important to them. If your parents are taking steps to adopt a healthier lifestyle, celebrate their milestones with them. If your children’s soccer team made it to a championship game, be there to encourage and cheer them on. If your friends are graduating grad school, be there for the commencement ceremony. Show them you care about their accomplishments.
Many of the organization’s food banks anticipate an increase in need if the standoff continues.
Nearly four weeks into what’s become the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, many across the country are beginning to feel the financial impact of the impasse.
Many of the more than 800,000 federal workers and roughly 4 million more government contractors affected have now missed their first paycheck. For some of them, this may mean they need to reign in their spending on non-essentials, or simply tighten their monthly budget. But for others living paycheck to paycheck, missing just one could mean they can’t pay their mortgage, or afford groceries, medicine, or child care.
The Salvation Army is one of several groups stepping up to offer some relief to furloughed government employees, those working without pay, or anyone else affected, as they navigate the unexpected stress and financial hardship triggered by the partial shutdown.
Lt. Liz Blusiewicz, corps officer in Huntington,..
Today is Shine a Light on Slavery Day and Florida Divisional employees showed their support against human trafficking by coming together and putting a Red X on their hands.
Each day The Salvation Army is working together to bring awareness to each community about human trafficking.
The Salvation Army is committed to fighting against human trafficking (for sexual and labor purposes) and forms of commercial sexual exploitation linked to sex trafficking. This commitment emerges from both The Salvation Army’s mission – to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in His name without discrimination – and is rooted in the organization’s early history.
Join the Fight for Freedom and shine a light on slavery each day. Human trafficking is a form of modern slavery – a multi-billion-dollar criminal industry that denies freedom to over 40 million people around the world.
Did you know that Human trafficking is a form of modern slavery — a multi-billion-dollar criminal industry that denies freedom to millions of people around the world? No matter where you live, it’s happening nearby.
From the girl forced into prostitution at a truck stop, to the man discovered in a restaurant kitchen, stripped of his passport and held against his will. All trafficking victims share one essential experience: the loss of freedom.
The Salvation Army Anti-Trafficking initiatives work alongside local law enforcement, FBI, ICE, and numerous other community partners to identify, rescue, and restore victims of forced labor and sexual exploitation. We help both foreign and domestic victims of all ages and ethnicities through our nationwide case management network. Along with giving immediate refuge and relief for victims, we take a holistic approach to healing, helping each person move from a state of victimized enslavement to God-centered self-sufficiency.
Contact your local Salvation Army to inquire how you can help and join the fight.
To learn more about The Salvation Army’s role in fighting for freedom visit www.sajustice.us.
If you need help: Please call or text the National Human Trafficking Hotline.
1 (888) 373-7888
National Human Trafficking Resource Center
SMS: 233733 (Text “HELP” or “INFO”)
Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week
Languages: English, Spanish, and 200 more languages
Website: traffickingresourcecenter.org
From the Heart of an Officer- Major Marion Durham
Today in Parkland….
The Family Assistance Center was much less crowded today. School will begin again next week so it was great to give away backpacks and gift cards to replace items lost in the quick evacuation of the school.
I enjoyed meeting therapy ponies along with the usual comfort dogs who have been here all week.
Today’s stories…
The first was an answer to prayer. We met a young woman yesterday who had left her bag in the classroom which included her identification papers. She’s a Canadian citizen and wanted to go home for a few days respite with her father. I woke up last night thinking about her and praying for her for many reasons. She was desperately working through her anger and had gotten a tattoo with Stoneman Douglas’ motto to honor her fallen classmates. First thing this morning she and her mother came back to the Center to book a flight through the resources there (thanks JetBlue) because school had made an exception and she got her papers back. Side note: she wasn’t in the freshman building. They may never get their items from that crime scene.
Also met a couple of young men today who were so impressive. They were sweet freshman, complete with smooth skin and braces on their teeth. The first wanted to replace a soccer jersey in memory of his lost friend. The other in particular is a hero. He herded 20 people into a classroom closet. They were really packed in there. His mother showed us the pictures he texted, including the pitch black one when they turned the light off to hide as they heard screaming and gunshots. They were Colombian and we held hands with the family and Enrique Azuaje prayed over them in Spanish.
Billy Graham died today. The Billy Graham Chaplain Ministry has been here all week too. They spend quite a bit of time at The Memorial and have had a beautiful presence. I wanted to go offer my condolences to them as they offer grief counseling to folks here, but it seemed unnecessary. Promoted to Glory and Home at last, they carry on his ministry in Jesus Name.
