Thursday, August 1, 2013

Thankful Thursday

“You don’t forget the face of the person who was your last hope.” Suzanne Collins

They were strangers....but they were people who saw something in me I couldn't see in myself. They gave me hope and a willingness to keep hold on and keep fighting for my freedom.

I've never forgotten them ~ the bank manager who showed me dignity when he gave me the money I asked for - no questions asked.
The guy at the Greek Restaurant who saved bags of food for a street kid and her dog.
The social worker who went above her boss and became a friend.

I'll never forget those people and others like them who gave me me hope and a reason to live.  It's what I want to do now for others. To pay forward what was given to me - hope, kindness, friendship.
I'm thankful for.....

-the banker who showed me dignity.
-the social worker who gave me hope
-the stranger on the bus whose kind smile encouraged me to keep fighting.
-the store owner who invited me to stay and gave me a place to sleep when it was too cold outside.
-Mostly...for Him never giving up on me.....He waited....He stayed. His love broke through all the pain when nothing else could.

17 comments:

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

Beautiful post...so many that have given me hope also. Hope has been what I have studied about this week..thanks for sharing, such an inspiring and uplifting post

Connie said...

Moving and inspirational post, Nikki. I hope you have a great day today.

Karen said...

I love that opening quote...and your gratefulness always shines! Hope...and love...the most desired things on earth.....

Chatty Crone said...

I think your eyes were ready to see as well. sandie

Sharon said...

Oh Nikki - what you have gone through. You are an inspiration. And yes, hope is so important in life. We can weather a host of problems if we have hope.

Praise God for the everlasting HOPE He brought to us through the death and resurrection of His Son!

GOD BLESS!

Debby@Just Breathe said...

I love reading your Thankful Thursday's. God is good!

Debbie said...

And of course, I have a lump in my throat. This is beautiful as usual.

When you think about it (and I know you have done just that over and over) "He" was all of them, and what's even more beautiful is that "HE" was also you, the least of these one time, and they responded the way we're all supposed to.

I loved this. Did I already say that?

Launna said...

Beautiful post as usual Nikki... I am always inspired when I read your blog... so lovely...

I just wanted to tell you I am taking a break from blogging for a couple of weeks, hopefully not more... I have a lot I have to deal with... I will be back... I will miss your blog but I will catch up with you:)

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

Wonderful post! I agree with Debbie. All those who helped were God's hands and feet. Beautiful.

Just Be Real said...

Blessings to you Nikki.....

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Hi Nikki,
I am on a blog break but wanted to stop by and see what you were sharing this week. God is good! I love how He uses other folks to minister to us when we least expect it. And isn't it fabulous to also be part of His great plan?
Enjoy your weekend, my sweet friend!

Big hugs,
Sandi

Denise said...

How lovely Nikki! Kindness and hope is a wonderful gift we receive that helps us see the goodness that exists all around us and in us. Hope sustains our belief that no matter what happens, incredible value and grace can be found in the hope and love that people share with us.

Thanks for sharing sweet sister!
Denise

Margie said...

How good God is and how good all those wonderful people were there to help you.

Thanks for sharing your grateful heart, you are an inspiration.

Linda said...

Wonderful and inspiring post. God is amazing. It is so important to be grateful for the people and things in our lives.

Amrita said...

<3

Terri Tiffany said...

You have so much to be thankful for!!!!

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

This is so touching...am so glad they helped you...and He was there all the time