Well y'all, there are a lot of things I can address. I've started the next stage of my career at Marine Corps Engineer School, there's chaos in Missouri, we're repositioning ourselves in Afghanistan...take your pick.
I always get sentimental around this time of year because so much emotion and meaning is wrapped up into one month. I get to celebrate the birth of the man who came to save my life, but I'm also reminded my family is missing a few members with whom we used to share these awesome memories. Even more, I'm reminded of the families and individuals who have nowhere to go, no one with whom they can celebrate, no special table to sit at on Thanksgiving, or don't have the means to celebrate with gifts on Christmas morning. When I take a second to step outside myself, I realize there's a lot of good to be done around this season. So this year, I'm not only pledging not to shop on Thanksgiving and Black Friday, but rather than asking for Christmas presents I don't need, I'm encouraging y'all to donate to non-profits and support local families you know may be in need.
"But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, much will be required, and from him, to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more." -Luke 12:48 (ESV)
"Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." -1 Peter 4:7-10 (ESV)
By focusing our efforts outward, we might be a reflection of the power of love and genuine good-hearted giving this holiday season. Not everyone has the same means to donate, but we certainly have the means to give a little. Our hearts break for different types of people, so my hope is you will reach out and give to those people in some way, however small, this Christmas. Each week up through Christmas, I'll feature a non-profit to which you can give or support. Whether you choose to radically change the way you "do" Christmas, you choose to donate just a little more than usual, or you do nothing more than read this blog, I hope you'll take a moment to keep those struggling and hurting families in your thoughts and prayers.
I became aware of HCC (Honor Courage Commitment, Inc.) through Major J.J. Wilson (USMCR), who was earning his MBA at SMU while I was there for undergrad. My big brother and Marine mentor, David Cantu Jr. put us in touch and through that friendship, I immediately began to understand the brotherhood the Marine Corps can be. Major Wilson, along with other veterans, started HCC in 2011 with the mission: "To transition elite military veterans into becoming elite entrepreneurs and business leaders who will then create jobs and make positive impacts in their communities."
HCC has committed to that mission and carries it out within the community and through organizations like 22Kill, which aims to raise awareness about and prevent the tragedy of veteran suicide. I'm highlighting HCC and 22Kill this week because I believe in their mission and I know the work that has been poured into making sure our military vets are cared for in the best possible manner. These selfless volunteers remind me that despite the unease we may feel or the tension that may be portrayed over the news, there are outstanding human beings willing to go above and beyond to care for others. That's more than enough reason for me to have a reason to be thankful on Thursday.
Visit these websites to watch a few videos and find out more about donations and volunteering.
22KILL
Honor Courage Commitment, Inc.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
