My Heart Exploded Today

Maybe exploded is a bit dramatic, but it should tell you how I actually felt. Today was a day that I needed, and I think one that so many of us need as well.

The day started out simple. When I woke, my husband already had breakfast on the table. I enjoyed scrambled eggs with onion and cheese along with my much-needed coffee.

On most days, I check my Facebook groups right away in the morning in case I have to boot out any scams or scammers that infiltrated through the night. Instead of a scam, in one group I moderate was a post for help pending.

Unfortunately, you can’t just assume people asking for help are legitimate. Scammers from overseas are posting as desperate people who are looking for a handout. Some of their posts would tear your heart out to read, but that’s deliberate. If you offer to personally deliver something to them, they suddenly have help from someone else. What they want is for you to send money electronically to them.

But this was real. A local woman was in need. She hadn’t had food in a few days. Her money card had been compromised, so she had nothing. A friend of hers reached out to our group.

When I gathered together some of the ladies from the group, we determined it was real, and then things were set in motion. Protecting her privacy and dignity, I made a general post into the main group for the community to see. In no time, there were offers to help.

What happened throughout the day caused my heart to explode. If it’s ever happened to you, you know what I mean when I say my heart exploded. It’s an overwhelming feeling of joy that literally feels like your heart is pushing through your chest full of happiness.  It can literally make you catch your breath.

One woman who was aware of the details picked the lady up from her home and took her shopping. Others worked on putting together care packages. One woman bought a phone card to keep her phone connected.

I needed today.  I was starting to give up on the world. There are so many stories of anger, hatred, disunity, and animosity. But this – this is just the opposite and proof positive that the world will survive through whatever comes our way.

Because there are still angels out there. There are still a lot of good, generous people who won’t ask you if you are Democrat or Republican. They won’t ask if you are straight or gay, or care if you are black or white. These wonderful people only know that someone is hungry and in need of assistance.

And more often than not, what people need most are friends. It goes without saying that the angels of today are the friends of tomorrow. These ladies, both the one in need and the helpers, have new friends.

Tonight, as I contemplate today, I know that I have been blessed to live in a community of people who know what love truly is. And I am grateful to be a part of such a wonderful place. I think my heart just exploded again.

These secret angels aren’t just in my hometown. There are secret angels all over the world. We just have to find them. AND BE THEM. We don’t have to be public about it. It’s not hard to find people in need. Check with your local food pantries and churches. More than likely they can put you in touch with someone who can connect you to people who need help.

Forget what you see in the news. It brings us down and keeps us hopeless, which is what they intend. Instead, keep your focus on what is real and true in front of you. Know what is happening in your neighborhood, in your town and city, and county. Be a part of that. Tell me your heart exploded too.

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Drop your stories in the comments or you can email me at shell @ thewriteempath.com and I will put the stories together into a post when there are enough to share.  Let’s spread joy instead of despair.  We can do this!