Pass it on...

I have a million things that I should be doing right now, but I need to write about last night’s experience while it’s still very fresh in my mind.
Last night I loaded up my kids and one extra one and we headed to Greenbrier East High School for a Habitat for Humanity basketball game.  It was the ABA WV Blazers team and a team put together from several WV high school girls basketball stand-outs along with some local and state “celebrities.”
What a wonderful night of entertainment…and despite the fact that I was given back $5 in change at the door when it should’ve been $15, I feel like they are the ones who got stiffed rather than me!  The little bit that I was capable of donating really was a drop in the bucket for the blessings that I received and the entertainment and fun provided.
Can you think of any other game you have ever gone to when the game was stopped for everyone (including the players) to do the chicken dance or the YMCA?

My oldest son got to go down and get “dressed up” in a WVU cap and a sequined purse before the start of the game and my youngest son got to throw a ball inbounds with the help of Bimbo Coles.  It was awesome.
After the game was over, all players stayed to sign autographs until the last autograph wanted was signed.

The family that the house was being built for—a young woman and her four children, under the age of six--were present and every time I saw her, she was wiping tears from her eyes.  She had been living with her four children in two bedrooms in a shelter.  The house will truly be a blessing to her.

Possibly the most inspirational part of the evening was when a lady sitting three rows down from us was asked to come out on the court.  One of the executives from Habitat was telling about the applicant process and told us all that this woman was an applicant waiting to be approved for a house.  The woman was shy and probably a little bit embarrassed (as I imagine we all would be in that position.)  I know I get embarrassed and proud when I have to ask my dad for $100 for something or another—much less when I am put in front of an entire crowd to let my needs known.  After the representative told about the journey, she made an announcement that this lady’s application had been approved and that she and her young son would be getting a Habitat for Humanity House within the next year.  The woman was so gracious and humbled and as she and the lady from Habitat embraced. 

I looked immediately in front of me and I am guessing it was either the mother or sister of the lady receiving the house.  She lifted her arms in the air and she began to sob.  She put her arms down and she’d look down at the lady on the court and then her arms lifted again and she cried and her mouth moved in what I know was praise and thankfulness to God.  She took her glasses off and wiped her eyes.  The lady receiving the house returned to her seat and they embraced and cried some more.  It was so profound and I hope I will never forget it.

You and I are so very blessed.  It is my hope that those who receive these gifts from Habitat for Humanity will go on to live their lives in a way that will continue to inspire us all to be loving, giving persons and to always be mindful of our fellow brothers and sisters around the world and in our own backyards who are in need—to continue the “pass it on” way of life.  If this is not the purpose of life, then what is?