We know Jesus works in the storm, and what an opportunity God has given us! In a season where heartache is a flood, God laid on my heart to do more with what we have been given. The focus of the First Thrift staff has shifted—David, Callie, and I now look forward to helping each storm survivor God brings across our path with the resources He has provided. We are reaching out and helping more people within our community than ever before.

We hear over and over that “stuff is just stuff,” and that’s true, right? As I drive home from work each day, I see “stuff-mountains” being built, growing taller day by day. What used to fill a home now fills the curbside, often overflowing onto the street. Having survived a flood before, I can tell you that life goes on, yet it’s a different life—a life with less stuff. We cling to our memories, the “stuff ” that fills our hearts.

At First Thrift we have the privilege of helping Hurricane Ian survivors re-stuff their lives.

Several have come to us needing clothes, shoes, and kitchenware, but others gravitate toward the pretty stuff—knickknacks, and art. We help them all as they begin to rebuild, even those in our own First Church community.

One of our facility staff members happened to be at the store, saw a donated keyboard, and shared with us a need within our music school. A particular family had lost everything, and one of their daughters has special needs so the loss was especially difficult for her as music is her therapy. Because of this donation, all three girls now have the comfort of making music again.

I have listened while our volunteers and storm survivors tell me their harrowing experiences. While the pain and trauma are real, the goodness and light we’ve seen these past few weeks go beyond anything I could have imagined. Even during power outages, we were blessed to see Jesus’ light shine—through us and others.

What I’ve come to realize is that I never learn much in the good times. It’s through the tough, pain-filled times that I learn so much! God has a way of using our worst moments to teach us valuable lessons. He builds our character when we ask, “What can we learn from this?”

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Matthew 6:19-21

by First Thrift Manager Jill House