Restoring Our Faith

peace doveWhen a tragedy strikes, we, as a nation, grieve with the victims and their families. We feel touched by the heartbreaking accounts when the tragedy is a natural disaster, but so much more when the tragic event is caused by another human being. Loss is loss–no less significant if children are swept away by a surge of water than a gunman standing in an elementary school. But it touches us deeper, knowing the ability for one person to take the lives of so many. Whether it was at the hands of an evil, sadistic young man or one riddled with mental health issues remains to be revealed, but just knowing one person chose to destroy so many lives is unthinkable.

Reading the Facebook posts echoing the details, and a myriad of personal thoughts on the tragedy was more than I could bear; I had to take a break from Facebook. Returning today, I have decided to bring a positive, hope-filled post to the social media space. It is not going to bring lasting joy to all our hearts, erasing what still weighs heavy on our souls. I just hope the message today will help us begin to restore our faith in the good that exists in so many people. I believe there is much more good in this world than evil, but the small, kind acts often are not heavily reported in the news. Today I share a personal account, and 26 other inspiring acts of kindness.

Read and enjoy:

Last night Sean and I drove to a special home in Reston, Virginia. With his daughter in tow, we went to see this beautiful home.

Xmas house 1

Pulling up, the house was breathtaking. We sat in awe for a few minutes in the car before getting out to walk around. The lights and decorations were even more beautiful up close.

Coury house Christmas lightsI was overwhelmed with the Christmas spirit as I watched Sean’s daughter gleefully express her thoughts over what seemed magical to her last night. The details in the lights, Santa, the beautiful nativity scene, huge snowmen in a second story window, life-sized, realistic-looking carolers at the door, and artificial snow blowing. It’s a site to be enjoyed by children and adults alike. But then I saw something that brought tears to my eyes.

Coury Christmas Lights St. JudeThe Coury family spend time and a great deal of money to bring happiness to many a passerby during the Christmas season each year. Just sharing such beauty for strangers at Christmas is such a wonderful gift, but this family has chosen to take something special and do the extraordinary: they encourage those who enjoy the effort of their hard work to give a gift to those in need; they ask people who stop to take pictures and enjoy to donate money to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. This is a lovely example of how one family can make a difference for so many people.

Discovering the Coury family’s home last night touched my heart. If it touches yours, please think of donating to St. Jude’s. The family asks people text LIFE to 50333 to donate $10.

At this difficult time for our nation, grappling with the tragedy in Newtown, here are 26 other amazing stories of heroics, love, random acts of kindness, making children’s dreams come true, unconditional love, and even making a flight easier for a plane full of people. These stories and the one I shared today won’t erase what has happened, but maybe it will bring respite from our sadness, and begin to restore our faith in others.

May you find peace and joy each day during the holiday season.

Comments

10 responses to “Restoring Our Faith”

  1. Now THAT is the true spirit of the season; it’s truly lovely. Thank you for sharing that!

    1. Naked Girl in a Dress

      You are welcome, Brook. I stood there, feeling so emotional still over the tragedy in Connecticut, but also wonderful that there are such good-hearted people in this world. It was a great experience.

  2. Thank you for this beautiful post, Kelly. It’s touching to see how this family is spreading joy and a positive message this holiday season. And in the midst of all that has happened these past few weeks, it’s refreshing to come here and see some light. XOXO

    1. Naked Girl in a Dress

      I am glad to hear it was a nice break for you, from all the heartache right now. It was my intention–no matter how brief it might be. Peace to you, Charlotte.

  3. Thank you for posting this. I did the same, I heard the news and logged out of facebook as soon as I could get the computer to load it properly. It’s too much for me, I said a prayer and sent up healing vibes for those lost. It’s a terrible tragedy and I’m thankful for people like these who share the good in life when they can. Even though it seems like there is no good left, I love St Jude and they are one of the few i will actually donate too! Love the post!

    1. Naked Girl in a Dress

      Smart move, MB. I am back on social media, which I need to do for work, and still find it upsetting. Taking a break from the news always helps restore my positive energy.

  4. b e a u t i f u l.

    thank you for sharing this Xx

    1. Naked Girl in a Dress

      You are welcome. Thank you for visiting.

  5. Beautifully decorated home. Awesome idea.
    Thanks for sharing!

    xx
    Lulu
    Breakfast After 10

    1. Naked Girl in a Dress

      Thanks for visiting and reading, Lulu!