Elevated Friday, February 1st, 2019

Happy Elevated Friday! Today we highlight a story of a young girl who is proving that there is no age limit on helping others. 11-year-old Ruby Kate Chitsey last summer helped her mother, Amanda, at the nursing home Amanda works in. In doing so, Ruby Kate got to know several of the patients and learned how little money most of them have for “luxuries” past a few small meals a day and a bed to sleep in. For instance, one resident named Pearl was forced to give up her beloved dog of 12 years in order to receive the care she needed in the nursing home because she could not afford both. Other patients wish for simple things like haircuts, new pants that fit well, or dog food. Ruby Kate realized she had enough money in her bank account to give Pearl a few visits with her dog, so she did exactly that. From there, Ruby Kate was determined to provide other wishes to the patients. After knocking on doors and understanding the small wishes they had, Ruby Kate launched her Three Wishes project to raise money for patients’ wishes. So far, she has raised over $26,000 to help buy clothing, corrective hearing devices, food, shoes, and the most commonly requested item: pet food. Ruby Kate is proving that we all are capable of providing the things that those in need desperately want if we only take the time to provide it.

When we pray, it is natural to pray for things that directly affect our own lives – our health, our families, our friends, even our communities. But if we are honest with ourselves, when was the last time we prayed for someone whose benefit did not directly or indirectly help us too? In 1 John, it says, “But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?” God isn’t the great wish-granter; however, He equipped all of us with skills and abilities to meet the needs – and wishes – of others. Today, seek out needs and wishes of those around you that you can meet in Jesus’ name.

“But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?” – 1 John 3:17 ESV

Original Article:

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