Hey Everyone,
I want to share a story from our thrift stores. This narrative embodies our 3…2…1 Impact framework: three points to ponder, two quotes to share, and one story of impact.
1 Story of Impact
I recently received a message from our Indianola Thrift Store Manager that crystallized our purpose. Sometimes the hard work and the prayers on your knees reveal themselves in one clarifying moment. This was it.
A mother and her two young sons visit the Indianola store almost every weekend. Recently, the older boy—who is maybe nine or ten years old—approached our manager while she stood on a step ladder. He asked, “Do you work here? My mom says you do.”
She climbed down, smiled, and said, “Yes buddy, I do. What is up?”
He wrapped his arms around her in a sudden embrace and said, “I have been mowing yards all summer, and I am so excited. I finally get to come in and buy these Nikes, a matching backpack, and (name-brand) jeans. Thank you for having things I can buy with what I have so I can look like the other kids.”
Holding back tears, she hugged him and explained that families in the community donated those items to share with families exactly like his.
He looked up, radiating gratitude, and said, “Can you tell the donors thank you for me? Because of the hard work I put in this summer, I get to look like everyone else and not cost my mom extra stress.”
The mission hit our manager like a wave. In that moment of clarity and joy, she knew without a doubt why she left corporate America to do this work. It wasn’t a career decision. It was her calling into something greater.
Clearing the path for others to step into their dreams is a worthy calling. This young boy wanted the opportunity to work hard and provide for himself. This act lifted the burden off his mother. Our store manager wanted to deploy her retail background to help the community. Two dreams collide in shared purpose, and God moves. This is Love in Action.
3 Points to Ponder
- Dignity over dependency. Lasting transformation happens when we clear the path and empower people to take ownership of their own story. Whether you are leading a boardroom, raising a family, or managing a team, examine your daily interactions. Stop enabling dependency. Forge a path to dignity.
- The unseen impact of generosity. The individuals who donated those items likely had no idea they were fueling our Generosity Engine to answer a young boy’s dream and relieve a mother’s financial stress. Our smallest offerings, when surrendered, deliver miraculous provision. What is one unseen action you can take today to bless someone else?
- The collision of shared purpose. We often think of our callings in silos, but we are Transforming Together. Where is God inviting you to let your dreams intersect with someone else’s to create Love in Action?
2 Quotes to Share
“We are not called by God to do extraordinary things, but to do ordinary things with extraordinary love.” — Henri Nouwen
“Work is a primary means through which we love our neighbor.” — Timothy Keller
As you step into your week, I challenge you to look closely at the spaces you lead. The choices we make today to empower others and clear their path become the foundation they will stand on tomorrow. You do not need to walk away from your career to be Love in Action. Simply be where your feet are planted. Look for opportunities around you, take the next step when they present themselves, and watch as God uses your daily work to transform lives.
Feel free to reply and share; I read every response.
Live with Impact,
Tim
