Fiona could use our help!

Hey extended village - I need you. As you know, I'm not super good at taking care of myself and I have a really hard time reaching out for help. I am learning and practicing by asking you for help. I'm handing the mike over to Jen because she will say it to you much better than I can. HUG, Fi

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I was recently listening to a powerful talk about generosity and the speaker asked us to...Close your eyes and see if you can think of THE most generous person you know. Draw them to mind. They may be very wealthy, they may not be at all. Who do you know that makes you think...THAT is a generous person. They give and they give and they give.

Now a simple question about them - Do you think of them as a happy person? Odds are overwhelmingly high that they are a very joyful person. I have yet to meet an unhappy generous person. (Credit and thanks to John Mark Comer for the words!!)

I feel very fortunate to be surrounded by friends who I regard as extremely generous whether it is with their time, their money, their knowledge, their caring or just their loving friendship!

But there is one name who came into my mind immediately and stayed at the top of the list...and it is a person who has been generous since the moment I met her...Fiona.

If you have ever met Fiona you know she is filled with a deep joy for life, for people, for giving, for being utilized for good. Her house has sheltered many friends over the years when they didn't have a home. She has gathered and fed so many people the most delicious meals all around an open table where everyone is welcome. She has hosted weddings and birthdays and baby showers in her backyard. She does all of this as a widow, a mom with 3 amazing kids, with minimal funds, and without a thought of scarcity that she shouldn't do it. Over the years she has volunteered for more school, church and community events than I can count. Fiona (and Alexis while he was alive) live a life of serving. They have set up their family culture to be centered on giving. With all her hardships I have never heard her speak from a place of lack. She has rarely asked for help as it feels foreign and uncomfortable to her.

I have never met someone who has been through such difficult life events who has continued to be hopeful, grateful and generous the way Fiona has. I find it inspiring and beautiful to behold.

Fiona is asking for help now. She's practicing humility and trust. Being a single mom for the past 10 years with 3 children living in Los Angeles is not an easy road at times. Rent has increased astronomically along with all the other responsibilities. Fiona works tirelessly to provide for her children but she needs a little help right now. She is a master budgeter and makes every dollar stretch in ways most of us do not even consider. But sometimes life throws curve balls and we can feel overwhelmed. Things such as dental work, broken appliances, fixing cars are just a few of the added costs she has faced recently.

I encouraged Fiona to let me share her story so that those who love her and her amazing kids, can give back to them for all they have given to so many of us. If you feel compelled to donate any amount of money or to share this request so we can reach more people, Fiona would be eternally grateful.

XO

Jen