In our line of work, there is no shortage of stories – sweet, encouraging, tragic, triumphant. Stories of loss. Stories of picking up the pieces. Stories of sharing the one sandwich you have with another, turning that one sandwich into two. Stories of lifting up others. Stories of overcoming the gloomiest of days.
As a GRACE family, we love sharing these stories with one another. We never take for granted the awesome ways we see, hear, and are able ourselves to impart some of the grace we receive into the lives of others. There is always so much to give even when it appears there is none left to give. And there is always an abundance to receive at GRACE where others are standing-by, ready to lift each other up in deed, spirit and prayer.
Here are two recent, precious encounters shared by a dear volunteer, Linda Steele, and another from GRACE staff member, Kelly Bradley.
I just wanted to tell you about an experience that I had with a shopper today at the pantry. A lady told me that she had shopped at a couple of pantries in Arlington, and she said that this pantry was absolutely the best one that she had ever shopped in.
She said the food was easy to see on the shelves, everything was easy to find with a really nice selection. She said, “I want to thank you for having such a beautiful store for me to shop in.”
I told her it was our pleasure to be here and we were happy to hear that her shopping with us was a great experience!
“If you believe in yourself, have dedication and pride, and never quit, you’ll be a winner! Terry and I certainly believe that you all, along with Rusty and Keith, are winners! We are both so happy to be a small part of GRACE! So keep up the awesome work!!! God Bless!”
Terry and Linda Steele, Volunteers
“On a recent Sunday at GRACEful Buys Euless, my first sale of the day was the kindest, sweetest moment I’ve ever witnessed here at GRACE.”
Kelly Bradley, GRACEful Buys Euless
This beautiful cremation box and personal items storage box came in. A young gentlemen came in wanting to purchase it, and started telling me his story that his mom passed away 4 years ago. He has been carrying her ashes around in a bag all this time.
This was the first time he had ever visited our store as a recommendation from a friend. He walked in and saw this box. He had tears in his eyes. It was the day before Memorial Day.
A lady walked up and asked if she could purchase it for him. He broke down in tears, and made me break down in tears as well. She said thank you for allowing me to do this for you. My mother has passed away, too.
If you would like to share a touching, uplifting or praiseworthy GRACE experience with your GRACE family, please do not hesitate to share. We love to hear them all! Please contact our Marketing and Communications Manager, Lindsay Williford.
