Dear Reader, one of the greatest blessings of Buddy Bag Project service is the gifts of stories, stories humbly shared by those we serve. During the five years of visiting the City Union Mission Family Center, I have never heard a single person blame anyone else for their current state of being unhoused. They candidly own their circumstances, and are working hard to improve it, especially if they have children. (Here’s one of their stories that I captured to share on the Buddy Bag Project website.)
The stories, the humility, the light in women’s eyes when they spoke of their new journeys with Jesus had a profound effect on me. Two questions began to permeate my brain, and seep into my spirit:
- How can I reassure women at the Family Center?
- What do I have to offer them?
In a recent meeting with the Director of the Family Center, I told him I have repeatedly been struck by the atmosphere of community among the women. It’s something that must be intentionally nurtured. How blessed they are to have gained “family” in perhaps the last place they expected.
Eventually a third question began to arise: how will they retain that sense of belonging when they ultimately step out, stronger and more faithflled, into an independent living setting?
Women Like Us was writen for two reasons.
Faith is a cornerstone of City Union Mission. Life at the Family Center includes weekly Chapel, and Bible study. Guests are encouraged to find church homes at area churches. Thankfully several church shuttles come each Sunday morning to provide transportation for guests to attend worship. For some women, walking with Jesus is a very new experience. I wondered how they fared once they were on their own, without as much spiritual support.
One reason I wrote Women Like Us was to offer a tangible reminder with Scriptural examples of women who faced harsh circumstances, made crushing mistakes, and still experienced the love of God.
The second reason may not seem as altruistic, some may even call it arrogant. It is my conviction that writing is a gift of God, a gift I can never repay. Earlier this month, I told a publishing editor that I write what and when the Lord tells me. Researching and writing Women Like Us taught me a lot about women in the Bible, including some obscure ones, and deepened my faith. Writing blesses me, but more importantly, I’m thankful to share it when and with whom God tells me, Dear Reader. His gift of writing is not one for me to tightly hold onto, it is to be shared.
The women of the City Union Mission’s Family Center inspired my writing. It was only right that when Buddy Bag Projct held the second Betty Bag Giveaway (of gently-used purses), that each woman was given a copy of the book that began with them.
Jesus continues to tell His followers to give, even in this 21st century time and place. He doesn’t necessarily tell us what, or how much, or to whom. Maybe the obedience of giving is as important to Jesus as the blessing is to those who receive. I wonder if Jesus is more concerned with us having generous spirits, than the actual act of giving.
Don’t hold back—give freely, and you’ll have plenty poured back into your lap—a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, brimming over. You’ll receive in the same measure you give.
I like to think most charity volunteers understand and accept that not every service or donation will be acknowledged or rewarded. Maybe that understanding comes from an altruistic spirit. As writers, we live in the real world. My goal was to give women at the Family Center tangible assurance and encouragement by writing and giving them a personal devotional book, and I did.
For self-publishers, being able to purchase our own books at a substantial discount is great. When doing a promotional event, we can charge whatever we think is fair, and easily recoup upfront expenses. As the number of books being donated began to add up, I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to continue giving them away.
My editor, Theresa, stretches me. She frequently forces me to clarify and justify my writing. She’s also a great source of encouragement.
When I told her about struggling with giving and actual financial cost, she told me there was another option. Theresa knew I used Canva for diverse applications, including for most of my book covers. She told me Women Like Us could be attached to a QR codes using Canva. The math to tuck book cards into purses compared to hard copy cost was 95% less,
Writing, and giving away, Women Like Us taught me three things. I learned having an editor I trust completely is priceless. The journey pushed me to learn a new skill. (I’ll talk about that with next month’s book.) And giving away something I worked on, makes it more personally valuable. So, Dear Reader, the QR Code is live, and the book a freebie for you. I pray it will resonate with you.
Take a look at “If Books Could Talk from” August 13.
alicevwalters.net 
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