Tapshos, a baby bro, perit, blacberees, horse and cristalls aren’t forgotten on this random Christmas wish list I came across. Santa must’a been chucklin’ when he read it. I noticed a few things that were actually on my list too: MintShoclit and MacUp! I guess a girl just never outgrows some things.
Sharing Hope Through a Christmas Wish List
Tapshos, a baby bro, perit, blacberees, horse and cristalls aren’t forgotten on this random Christmas wish list I came across. Santa must’a been chucklin’ when he read it. I noticed a few things that were actually on my list too: MintShoclit and MacUp! I guess a girl just never outgrows some things.
But some girls wouldn’t dare write a list at all. Not even in their heads. They’d rather not get their hopes up and be let down come that special holiday. And I don’t blame them. The times they’ve been let down by others, especially the abusive men in their lives, seem innumerable. Dreaming becomes a luxury in minds that cope with PTSD from childhood sexual trauma and exploitation. They watch families around them…and of course, comparison becomes their worst enemy. His allies, depression, worry, envy and stress, loiter and wait for their chance to attack. And so those sweet girls find ways to distract themselves.
They can’t emotionally afford to wish.
But this month, one known for its wonders and hope, Abolition Now had a chance to wish for them. Their Hands of Hope team remembered those sweet girls and their children, too, who are served or cared for by such agencies as Door to Grace, Hope82, Lifeworks Northwest and the Portland Police. Churches and individuals across Portland were contacted by Darlene and her volunteer entourage, and before you knew it, Darlene’s list of items was organized, adjusted (constantly) and finally completed. Those new gifts were collected, delivered and will soon be celebrated!
No, a perit and blacberees didn’t make the cut. But gifts on this Hands of Hope Christmas Drive list did include sweatpants, journals, gift cards, toothbrushes, toys and gloves. Bins in church lobbies, similar to those at Good Shepherd Church, started filling up fast. My Facebook friend, Lisa, saw my post about the need and went on a shopping spree that week, knocking items off the list, left and right. Someone even donated a sewing machine that I could’ve sworn was too much to ask.
But when the people of God come together, led by His Spirit in acts of kindness and generosity, you can pretty much count on this: nothing is too extravagant. And there will be nothing left at the end of the season but awkward smiles, hearts full of joy and the blessed assurance of their Heavenly Father’s love.
