Father Dan Richardson, pictured here with Charlie at his First Communion, often served as his personal inspiration and is featured in his memoir, The Kingdom of the Poor.

December 2  |  Giving Tuesday

by Room In The Inn Founder, Charles Strobel

Nothing can replace the hope that one person receives from another through the simple gesture of respect and the profound acts of kindness offered without conditions. Think about this for a moment. Remember the people in your life who gave you hope. Some were parents, relatives, friends, teachers, coaches, and ministers. Probably no book or movie had the same effect on your life as did these special people. You will never forget them for helping you to believe enough in yourself that you would risk facing your future with hope. From the earlier days of childhood when you hollered out with glee, “I did it!” to the later days of grief when you confided, “I would never have been able to make it through all of this without your inspiration,” hope comes wrapped in a smile and a hug. 

In my mind, the homeless need those smiles and hugs more than anyone. These gentle signs are part of the wonderful tapestry of human love that everyone can offer. When shared, they can pierce through the doubts and despair on faces calloused by almost unbearable circumstances. 

Today is known as Giving Tuesday. After the focus on consumerism that comes after Thanksgiving, Giving Tuesday invites people to focus on generosity. Helping organizations of all kinds (including Room In The Inn, of course!) will be sharing opportunities to give. 

As you spread hope through generosity today, remember the people who invested in you through simple acts of unconditional kindness.

Holy God, 

As others have carried us through dark and difficult days, 

Help us bear that same light to those who need it most. 

Let our presence become a sign of your love, 

And our compassion a small incarnation of your hope in the world. 

Amen.