Hey friends! Many of you have been a part of the “Light ‘Em Up” movement for years doing random acts of kindness during the holidays. You are the type of people who do not like to sit and worry about yourself. Your first reaction is to care for your neighbor. I thought I would give you a tool to get the conversation going for your family and your community.
The challenge with COVID-19 is that “caring” does not feel like caring if we show up at someone’s door sick. We can cause more harm with our presence. Here are some ideas that will allow you to adhere to the “social distancing” recommendations by our government and health care officials.
10 Light ‘Em Up Ideas for Covid-19:
- Message Vulnerable Neighbors: Through Facebook group or email list, find out who is most vulnerable and offer to get out for them for groceries or to pick up their medicine. Not everyone has family in town or someone to help them.
- Support Health Care: Find a way to help our first responders, nurses and doctors. They are going to be working hours and hours. We can send notes, food or even offer to help their families. Find one you know and ask how you can support them best. You certainly want to find out what they can receive during this time, but they need our support.
- FaceTime Those Alone: This will be a lonely time for those that are single, widowed or living alone. Set a goal to check in on someone via facetime each day that you know is home alone during this quarantine time.
- Shop Locally: Small businesses may not survive these times. If you are in need of gifts or goods, find a way to shop with them either in store or online. Get gift cards to use later. Purchase birthday gifts or Christmas gifts ahead or simply just reach out to them with prayer.
- Be A Voice of Cheer: Have you ever tried smiling when you’re on the phone? The person on the other end can actually tell a difference. Try it! Smile next time you’re on the phone. Give an aunt or uncle or grandparent a call and smile! Spread cheer and joy to those that need it. You could make it even more intentional by interviewing family members about family history. You can record the audio or keep a journal and make a fun family history project out of it!
- Donate to Food Bank: School closings and job losses has created financial strain on many families. Call your local food banks and give financial donations so they can best support those in greatest need at this time.
- Simply Offer To Help: Reach out to those parents who do not have a place to go for their children and work together. Think of your class. Your street. If we all do something, for one family – we will make a major impact on our communities and together our world.
- Send That Note: Who has had an impact on your life? Who have you been meaning to thank? How about the school leaders and those making tough choices during this time? What about sanitation workers? Postal workers? Pediatricians? Soldiers? Expressing gratitude during times of struggle keeps our eyes on the good. Take a moment each day to write a note to someone that needs to know they have impacted your life. And if you’re worried about germs, email or text is just fine. It’s the thought.
- Use Technology For Community: You can keep meeting with that community group or start a book club using technology! There’s a way to facetime with a group or even use Zoom or other apps for group meetings. Pick a book that promotes personal growth and a foundation in faith and be the one that invites friends to the table for meaningful discussion. This new one, Get Out of Your Head, by Jennie Allen on our thought life has been really helpful for my busy brain. And I’m also enjoying “On The Bright Side” by Melanie Shankle. For devotions, New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp is one of my top favorites for men and women of all ages and stages.
- Savor Sundays – Keep Sundays on your calendar blocked and gather online with your church family. Invite friends to join you. During uncertain times, there is no greater anchor than our faith. I look forward to gathering with my family in my home and remembering that we have hope in something greater. That we will put faith over fear. My local church, Compass Church, would love to host you. And my friends at North Point that helped me with this list would love to have you anytime!
More fun and quick ideas!
- Send letters to soldiers
- Gather non-perishables for food pantry
- Write thank yous for first responders
- Send coloring books to children’s hospitals
- Pray and pray often with family
- Leave sidewalk chalk note or picture for neighbors
- Cut neighbor’s grass
- Shovel snow off
neighbor’s driveway - Leave simple treat or thank you note for grocery clerks
- Reconcile old fights, forgive
- Leave a note on a pillow for spouse and/or children
Tomorrow, I will share 10 Fun Family Ideas… because I’m equally passionate about families connecting during this time!
So come back tomorrow for more!
Courtney
Light ‘Em Up – Traveler’s Edition