When the Christmas miracle they planned on wasn't coming to them, they decided to deliver a few miracles of their own. Watch Faith's story to see how the Stringfellows are doing that.
One of those Stringfellow miracles was showing my friend and me that it's not about sitting staring about the miracle you had so hoped would be delivered to your doorstep. It's about looking for the miracles you can deliver to others. That's the gift. That's the miracle. Focus on that and it's amazing what does show up at your front door.
It's not about missing pieces, after all. Even with all the pieces in place, there is no guarantee you'll have the holiday you planned on.
Turns out, this is just the gift I wanted and need for this holiday season. It feels like 2010 is going to be a very big year. What better way to go into it than with the guidance that I look at the miracles that are here and celebrate each one as they arrive.
What am I doing this Christmas? I'll be looking at miracles.
I had to smile.
Couldn't help myself.
"Ooh! I know them...and them...and them!"
And so it went as I went down the list of the 100 semi-finalists in the Chase Community Giving Challenge.
The bank is committed to giving away a total of $5 million. They started their contest by opening up voting on Facebook. Non-profits signed up and encouraged followers to vote. Talk about an open casting call! 500,000 charities signed up. Chase has just announced the top 100 winners. Quite an accomplishment, there! Think about: beating out 499,900 other great causes. I was excited to look down the list. That's when I couldn't help but notice, "I know a lot of these folks!" I've met them by interviewing them and bringing you their stories here on this website.
Leigh Hurst created Feel Your Boobies after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in her early 30's. This national non-profit is now dedicated to encouraging women to know their bodies and become aware about breast health.
Darius Goes West are the oh-so-fun and unusual band of brothers who loaded up in an RV and headed West to give a special teen the ride of a lifetime. That one trip has now turned into the documentary that could raising big funds to find a cure for muscular dystrophy.
Songs Of Love is run by John Belzer who has made it his life's work to create original songs for children dealing with chronic and terminal illness.
The St. Bernard Project is helping families left homeless by Hurricane Katrina find affordable and sustainable housing in Louisiana.
Each of the top 100 has already won $25,000.
In a few weeks, things will get even more interesting. Over the next few weeks, each will submit a proposal of what they would do if the won $1 million! Starting January 15th, voting opens up again. Five of the top 100 will receive $100,000. One is going to get the big $1 million!
So, I encourage you to check out the Chase Community Giving page on Facebook. You'll get 5 votes. Sure, it would be great if you supported the great causes you've seen here on DarynKagan.com. I also encourage you to peruse the list of the top 100 and see what speaks to your heart. It's not everyday you get to help pass out millions of dollars without reaching in your pocket. It's as simple as reaching for your computer's mouse.
Are you stuck with your holiday shopping?
I have a couple of creative ideas for you.
A sewing machine? A wheel barrow? A carpenter's tool set?
Does all that sound kind of ordinary?
Well, here's the twist: the person on your list won't actually get the gift. Instead, someone you never met will.
A bunch of non-profits are raising funds this way.
Women For Women International has a great program.
So does the International Rescue Committee.
This is how it works. You make a donation. Your loved one gets a card telling them about the gift and a child or woman in need gets a boost.
Sounds like a win-win-win to me!
I'm also thinking of the special girls of Hekima Place this time of year.
This is the amazing home for girl scholars just outside of Nairobi, Kenya.
It's where I spent last Christmas and turned out to be one of the most meaningful holidays of my life.
You can meet the girls and get a look at my trip here.
Mum Kate Fletcher can always use help and volunteers in changing the lives of these remarkable girls.
I hope all those tips help. Sure beats dealing with crowds and buying meaningless gifts at the mall!
I saw this on Facebook and think it's a great idea.
When doing your Christmas cards, take one and send it to this address:
Holiday Mail for Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456
How simple! How wonderful. I think it took me all of 30 seconds to get out the extra envelope and address it. Pennies to show a recovering soldier that I care.
What about you? Do you have one extra holiday card you could pass along?
The truth is all things are not equal among sisters.
When God was doling out smarts, creativity, and talent He saved the mother lode for my younger sister, Kallan. I say that with no bitterness. Just being the reporter that I am. It is what it is.
She was the kid who would walk into English class, calmly assess the course work and ponder, "So what do I need to do to get an 'A'? Okay, yawn." Me? I did well in school but always had to work my you know what off to pull good grades.
She can cook without following a recipe. She has our mother's gift for design. And you know how they say, "You'll never find a job sitting on the couch?" I have personally witnessed my little sister do just this. Once, while in job search mode, Kallan took some time off satisfied she had done what she needed to and was going to treat herself to a day zoning out on the couch. No sooner did she plop than the phone rang. It was a top studio wanting to hire her. A studio, she hadn't even applied to, by the way. Somehow, her resume "found" its way to this human resource department. Amazing!
Oh, I should explain that my sister is a children's animation producer. That's where the good news comes in for all of us. She has spent the better part of 2009 using her many talents to create a new holiday classic. The animated version of "Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus" debuts tomorrow on CBS (8pm ET.) It's without a doubt her finest work yet. Here's a peek:
The animation is gorgeous, special and like nothing I've seen before. And if you're looking for a holiday story that has some substance and a wonderful message about believing, than this one is for you.
There are also some hidden surprises. Like one of the young voice actors is actually a girl getting to live out her Make-A-Wish dream. You can see that story here..
So please, gather the family around the television and set those DVR's. You won't be disappointed in this wonderful program my little sissy (as I call her) has created for you!
So many of the stories here at DarynKagan.com touch people's hearts. Then, every once in awhile, one comes along and sticks in their minds, as well.
That's the case with Jake Olson's story. I posted it yesterday. Jake is a 12-year-old boy who found out he would lose his one remaining eye to cancer. Doesn't seem fair, does it? Beat cancer 8-times only to find out to live, Jake would have to give up his sight. He could've sat around feeling sorry for himself. Only he couldn't. Because had a big job with this final month of sight. His parents asked him what were the final things he wanted to see and experience with vision. To what Jake picked and how that dream come true, make sure you watch Jake's story.
Meanwhile, that has folks all over the world talking. What would be your wish if you knew you were about to lose your vision? What would be the final sights you'd want to see? We're talking about it over in our social online community.
