Gifts That Make a Difference
By Rev. Cortney
Years ago, Oprah Winfrey started publishing her list of “Oprah’s Favorite Things.” This list became a Christmas shopping guide for many to see what new, useful, and fashionable things they could buy for their loved ones.
While the readership of the St. Patrick’s newsletter might be smaller than Oprah’s, I also want to share with you some gift ideas. Not only are they some of my favorite things, but they’re also gifts that make a difference in the world. As you look for ways to share your love in this gift- giving season, consider some of these:
Donate to Episcopal Relief and Development. For the person who is hardest to shop for, share your generosity with those who need it most. You can choose exactly what your donation will be spent on - clean water, mosquito nets, care for moms and newborns, etc.
Donate locally. My favorite: Family Promise of Warren County
Thistle Farms. Thistle Farms sells candles, soaps, lotions and home goods. But on top of having quality products, they are staffed by women rebuilding their lives after being trafficked. Dollars spent here helps these women find economic freedom and independence.
Dignify. These blankets, throws and bedding are beautiful and handmade. And similar to Thistle Farms, this company is staffed by women recovering from being trafficked.
Salt of the Earth: A Christian Seasons Calendar. Keep your life and faith organized in the same beautiful calendar
Handmade Palestine. Offers handmade goods by local Palestinian artists. Check out the Christmas gifts portion of their website for festive decor.
Good books for gifting:
Love is the Way: Holding on the Hope in Troubling Times by Michael Curry “In this book, Bishop Curry shares his deep faith that characterized that cultural moment (royal wedding): the way of love. It is the under appreciated, all-but-forgotten understanding of agape, the love that uplifts, liberates and changes the world. Though some might believe the world has to be the same, this way has the power to change things for the underappreciated, all-but-forgotten understanding of agape, he love that uplifts, liberates and changes the world. Though some might believe the world has to be the same, this way has the power to change things for the better.”
Practically Divine by Becca Stevens “There is no secret formula to experiencing the sacred in our lives--it just takes practice and practicality. No matter where we are—on a walk in the woods, in a sacred building, or in a dusty refugee camp—signs of love abound. When we allow ourselves to embrace both ordinary and extraordinary experiences, we can feel the divine anywhere.”
Wholehearted Faith by Rachel Held Evans “Evans died at 37, but a beautiful new book captures her brave outlook. . . . I could not help but notice the poetry in Evans’s prose. . . . What readers will find in these pages was someone deeply human: funny, irreverent, curious, wise, forgiving, nonjudgmental.” -The Washington Post”
Books recommended by Jimmy & Joshua:
What is God Like? By Rachel Held Evans and Matthew Paul Turner “The late, beloved Rachel Held Evans answers many children's first question about God in this gorgeous picture book, fully realized by her friend Matthew Paul Turner, the bestselling author of When God Made You.”
Children of God Storybook Bible by Desmond Tutu “Creating the first truly global Bible for children of all nationalities, Desmond Tutu retells more than fifty of his most beloved Bible stories in Children of God Storybook Bible. Many of the finest artists from around the world— such as Jago, E.B. Lewis, Javaka Steptoe, and Xiao Xin— have illustrated these favorite Bible stories from Desmond Tutu, connecting Scripture with the multitude of ethnicities across the globe.”
Happy Shopping!
