Hey there,
I enjoyed a nice long Labor Day weekend at the lake with friends. It was such a blessing to get away and relax. Hopefully you also found some time to relax.
The result though, was less time to work on Genuflect. So I’m refreshing a topic from three years ago this month. If you recognize this issue (thank you for still being here!), don’t worry, I’ve updated almost all of the articles so you’re sure to find something new.
I also enjoy stories about regular folks who do amazing things to help others.
Like Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale who once again has opened up his furniture store, this time to shelter Louisianans displaced by Hurricane Ida.
But it doesn’t have to be a grand gesture that affects hundreds of people. High schooler Rusty Schimmel found his life’s career of helping others from a conversation with someone where he was lifeguarding one summer.
We all have the capacity to help others. Even if it’s just a friendly smile.
Or a compliment to brighten someone’s day.
Or comforting someone who is suffering.
God wants us to love one another as he loves us … to look out for each other and help one another.
This week’s issue of Genuflect provides ways in which we can find opportunities to help others … along with plenty of inspiring examples.
So we can do more of His work.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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genuflect: resources
7 Ways to Reach Out
This article was written in January to provide some ideas for new year’s resolutions for helping others. This year has just a few months left, but there’s no time like the present to put some of these ideas into action. Especially with the holidays coming up, when some people experience loneliness. See what difference you can make!
7 Thoughtful Ways to Reach Out to Others This Year | Busted Halo
Doing Little Things
There are plenty of opportunities to do the work of the Lord. Sometimes they show up on your doorstep. Like this example shared by Dr. Samantha Aguinaldo-Wetterholm who took time to listen to the needs of a woman who walked into her dental office one day. The little things can mean the world to someone else.
Be the Advocate | Blessed is She
How to Change The World
The world is a big place … it’s easy to feel insignificant. We may not see how anything we do can have an impact on the world. But Sam Guzman explains that we can! And he tells us exactly what we need to do.
Think Big, Act Small: How You Can Change the World | The Catholic Gentleman
Take Care of Yourself And Others
Givers are always doing for others, giving of themselves. Maybe you’re one of them! Sometimes they focus on others so much that they suffer. It might result in poor health, or strained relations with others or even with God. If you struggle with this delicate balance, here’s how to take care of yourself while taking care of others.
How to Give to Others Without Losing Yourself | Aleteia
3 Ways to Live Like a Saint
We look up to Saints in the hopes that by following in their footsteps on Earth we too will get to Heaven. Here are three things we can do to live like a Saint. Hint: it involves a lot of caring for others.
3 Ways to Live Like a Catholic Saint | 21st Century Catholic Evangelization
Helping Someone Through Loss
When someone we know is suffering a loss, or grief, we want to help them, but often don’t know what to do or say. Here’s a prayer package you can make them that contains several thoughtful and inspirational items. It will be there when your friend needs it most.
Make A Prayer Package- Helping Someone Through Loss, Grief, Or Trauma | Catholic Icing
Mattress Mack Helps Hurricane Ida Victims
You may recall Houston business owner Jim McIngvall’s generosity after the devastation of Hurricane Harvey. He opened up his Gallery Furniture store to those displaced by the flooding. He’s at it again, sending supplies to Louisiana to help the victims of Hurricane Ida. And he’s opened up his store to people with nowhere else to go. Talk about inspiring!
Mattress Mack Delivers Supplies to Victims of Hurricane Ida | Washington Post
Using Our Words
Our seemingly ordinary words and actions can have a lasting impact on another person’s life. Rusty Schimmel benefitted from someone who took a genuine interest in what he was doing, and took the time and effort to offer feedback. Little did she realize that just a few minutes of her time would lead to decades of growth and opportunity.
The Conversation That Changed a High School Lifeguard’s Life Forever | Aleteia
5 Inspiring Stories
If you’d like a little more inspiration, here are 5 more stories of people helping people. From business owners and neighbors to NBA players, those most in need are being helped.
5 Inspiring Stories of People Helping Those Most in Need | Guideposts
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Digital Inspiration
Click below to download this week’s free Holy Spirit inspirational wallpaper for your desktop and your phone.
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Photo by Josh Appel on Unsplash
