By Brenda Cannon Henley
Several things have brought to my mind the realization that we are all victims of tunnel vision, even though we strive to pretend we are not. It is normal for the most part that we think of our own lives, our needs, our joys, our families, and the things we seek to integrate into our lives first and foremost. Occasionally someone or some thing will come along to prick the thick walls of our hearts and minds. For a season we will reach out of our comfort zone, work on a project, write a check, support a mission project, teach a class, agree to help a child, or aid the elderly.

We, on the Bolivar Peninsula, have in recent months, had the opportunity to be involved in the wonderful work of the Lone Survivor Foundation. A first class retreat center has been built to welcome returning service personnel and Marcus Luttrell has visited several times. His amazing story of survival has helped to motivate and inspire others to help care for the men and women who willingly fight for our freedom. This good work can use more help.

I have personally had the joy of knowing and working with many missionaries that serve on foreign fields all over the world. For a few weeks after a home visit or an especially fervent presentation at church, we are led to give, to gather goods, and to pray. Dozens more need help and encouragement.

Because of personal experience with cancer on several fronts, my heart is especially tender to patients and families dealing with these issues and I have found myself reaching out to help where I could. Many are involved in this fight on a year round basis. But there are thousands more that could use a card, call, check, or visit.

We have an adopted grandson graduating from high school in a few days. This young man is a product of the foster care system and my daughter’s home was his first “real” home. What an accomplishment. We are all very proud of our graduate and have been honored to welcome him into our hearts and homes. Yet, there are hundreds of kids that need an advocate. We can be that voice for them.

Often, once the initial excitement of any of these events wears off, we tend to slip back into the normalcy of our day to day living. We forget about those outside our own teacup or the walls of our own homes. Our burden that was so alive and vibrant slips back into common place and routine as we lapse into our status quo living.

God has spoken to my own heart about getting out of any rut that I have fallen into and determining with a new conviction to help others. I have been given so much and God’s blessings are far too numerous to name. My cup truly is filled to overflowing and I want to share.

Will you join me in considering what you might do for others in coming days? We could change the world and certainly our corner. Joy is defined as J for Jesus, O for others, and Y for you.

(This article published 5/26/2015)

Brenda Cannon Henley can be reached at (409) 781-8788, at
[email protected], or by using the contact form below.

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