Hunger (By: Deborah Durrett) “We cannot do everything, but We can do SOMEthing.” That wise phrase was passed on to me via my Mother. It so happens that Mother’s Day weekend aligned this year with the annual USPS ‘Stamp Out Hunger’ drive sponsored by Feeding Southwest Virginia. A week or two before the collection, the postal delivery team leaves a postcard announcement with a plastic bag to fill with nonperishable food items, which are then retrieved and processed for helping those in need of them. We have taken part in this opportunity since our children were very young. Even in some of our own most difficult financial times, we shared a variety of foods from our pantry, knowing that no one is immune to struggle. The kids liked to help pick out items, based on the suggestions list provided on the postcard. We also added two rules: 1) if it is a canned good, check to make sure it has not expired. 2) if it is something you do not want to eat, we will not be choosing that. It is fine to try to include a gluten-free item or meat if those are not things typically eaten, but it seems only kind to share items that we also would enjoy - and not just something we want to get rid of. 😊 When people struggle to nourish their bodies, everything else can be much harder. It affects our thinking and our health in general. Not only is it the right thing to do, but it is also the starting point of them being able to focus and learn. I think it was my husband who would tell the children that, “We need to feed the machine!” We cannot do people’s work for them, yet we can lend a hand to get them back to a better place, so they can overcome physical hunger pangs long enough to then be able to feel the hunger of achieving. Small steps can bring confidence to the hearts of hurting people, along with being seen and cared for - a seemingly small gesture at a time when life may seem hopeless. If we have plenty or an abundance, then why not help alleviate one hunger, and help spark a fire for another kind of appetite. A hunger for holiness can not only fill our spiritual cup, but it can bring a “peace which passeth all understanding.” (Philippians 4:7, ESV) I think that we all desire to belong, and to know joy that supersedes anything this world can offer. A gift box of pasta or crackers can accomplish far more than we might think. The love of the Father of the Universe was brought to us through His Son, Christ Jesus - the priceless gift with a cost. But on earth, it can start from sustenance - to “make ends meet” in someone’s home, on a shortfall month. Once the hunger for holiness is sparked, nothing can take it away. Whether it is a bag of groceries, a lead on a job, information on how to apply for disability, giving someone a ride to appointments, or whatever else you may be led to do - be part of the spark that shares the love each one of us has access to! We were knitted together; we were no accident. Such a love came from a Creator with a deep hunger. “Blessed [joyful, nourished by God’s goodness] are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness [those who actively seek right standing with God], for they will be [completely] satisfied.” Matthew 5:6 AMP “After they had eaten, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these others do?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ he answered, you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Take care of my lambs.’ A second time Jesus said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?” John 21:15-16a GNT “‘Yes, Lord,’ Peter said, ‘you know I love you.’ ‘Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.” John 21:16b “(For the third time) ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’ (Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the same question a third time,) ‘Do you love me?’ Simon Peter: ‘Lord You know everything! You know that I love you. ‘Jesus: ‘Look after My sheep.’” John 21:17 VOICE “Grass dies and flowers fall, but the word of our God lasts forever.” Isaiah 40:8 ERV “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord and will be repaid in full.” Proverbs 19:17 NRSVA “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4 LSB (D. Durrett 5/13/26)