12 days of hope in Evansville, IN

During the twelve days prior to the Christmas of 2014, I became the recipient of anonymous gifts. I received letters of appreciation, cards with scriptural verses, and twelve lovely gifts which I will always treasure. It was a wonderful experience for me. Much like a child anticipating gifts at Christmas, I began each day with a feeling of anticipation in awaiting those good things yet to come.

On the 12th day, I received an appreciation letter signed "12 Ordinary Women" which was filled with many words of encouragement. I have re-read the letter often. The letter is a source of strength to me. It is a reminder of the power of Christian Community. During a time of great stress, the kindness of the 12 Ordinary Women re-awakened my sense of God's love, renewed my hope in God's promises. and lightened my burden.

Words can not begin to express my gratitude to the 12 Ordinary Women of Evansville, IN. May God bless those women who blessed my life through their love, prayers, and generosity.

Thank you who saw my need in High Point NC

Last Wednesday morning I received a most unexpected gift - a basket of beautiful flowers and a daily devotional book. This came to Ward Street Mission in High Point, NC were I volunteer at the food pantry of Ward Street Community Resources. The accompanying note and gift greatly touched my heart and came at just the right time as I had been in a dark place only seeing deadlines and tasks. Sometimes I wondered if anything I was doing really made a difference but the note I received told me differently.

I want to thank all the "ordinary" women who saw my need and responded in such a beautiful way to show God's love and care. May all of you receive his blessings many times over.

Louise

A secret voicemail

I just arrived home and went to check my mailbox because of a secret voice mail message from a stranger named Grace about something special. I thought it was going to be something from one of my girlfriends.

I am absolutely blown away! I found the incredibly special card, a box of delicious chocolates and financial gift. I'm still speechless. You wonderful ladies have reduced me and my parents to tears. I truly don't know how to describe how you've made me feel today. Wow! I'm almost always the person who's taking care of everyone else around me. To feel that 12 other caring women were thinking about me and taking care of me today...well, it absolutely warms my heart. You have absolutely uplifted me today. I'm still speechless. You are all real life angels! Please know that you have made a difference today in someone else. You've also touched the hearts of my boys. You've shown them how special it is to give.

I don't know if I know any of you or not, but I love you all! I wish for you love and happiness today. Your thoughtfulness and generosity spills over. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

MW

WOW! I really needed this...

WOW!!! A lady just knocked on my door, asked for me, and handed me a beautiful gift bag. I asked who it was from and she said it was all in the bag. Inside the bag were gift certificates to a spa and nail place and a necklace along with a beautiful card that said I was loved and prayed for by 12 women who care. I was absolutely blown away! What an awesome surprise! It is one that I needed badly due to the stress on me right now. You will never know how much this means to me! Thank you from the bottom of my heart! God bless you ladies for what you are doing!

I have no idea who you are...

I have no idea who thought to bless me and my family as you have, but I cannot begin to thank you. Our lives have been quite rough over the last year, but it is so comforting to know that God is watching over us, and He reminds me of that through people like you. We are definitely financially stretched because of medical problems, so the monetary gift we received from you was amazing and perfectly timed. God is good. Thank you for being a vessel for His grace and blessings. I pray I can pass the blessing on one day.

Much love,
ES

A Christmas Blessing!

The doorbell rang Christmas Eve and they asked if Heather lived here? "That would be me. How do you know me? Do I know you?" I was told that the card inside the bag. I introduced 1/2 of my kids. I thanked them again and went inside my house. The card read:
Heather- We know your heart and life are spent caring for others. You are an amazing mom, and a wonderful woman.
We want to honor you today with a gift just for you. A gift of relaxation and self care.
We care for you.
Love, 12 Ordinary Women
Wow, thank you for taking the time to share your love and thoughts. Being a single mom to 6 kids (4 adopted with complex medical issues.) This journey has not been easy but it's days like this I am reminded that I have people around me that care. I lost my son and then became a single mom 3 weeks later. I am a blessed mom and I can't imagine doing anything else day in and day out. I am so looking forward to this treatment of me time! Many blessings to you all and thank you again for your thoughtfulness this Christmas Eve!

Thank you in Cornelius, NC

I live in Cornelius, NC. I came home from visiting with a friend and my teenage son told me that a lady from 12 Ordinary Woman had stopped by our house with an envelope. Inside was a beautiful card and cash. I am going through a really hard time and continue to struggle but this act of kindness shows me that there are people in this world that care. There is goodness and generosity out there and to be on the receiving end is incredible. I hope one day to pay it forward. Please know how thankful I am. Any and all who had a hand in donating the cash and picking out the beautiful card, please tell them "thank you". God bless you.

Millennia Mall gift!

I was stunned to receive the thoughtful note and generous $200 Millennia Mall gift certificate from Hope and Joy, the precious women who appeared at my front door today. What a blessing! The note acknowledged the work I do for 2 wonderful ministries; I truly receive much more than I give, but I am so touched to be thanked in such a sweet and mysterious way!