A little girl is giving her baby doll a bottle. A woman on FaceTime communicates through sign language. A young mom with a calm and smiling baby in a stroller. Kids are playing in a small play center. An elderly man follows around volunteers, speaking to them even though they can’t hear him, and some brush him off. 

People speaking in other languages, different ages, different lives, all have one thing in common. They are waiting patiently at the food pantry. I can see them because I have been with them. 

In April, my husband lost his job of 15 years. The pantry was truly a Godsend. I had seen it for years, literally less than half a mile from our house, but never thought about the services they offer until we needed them.

Not only has it helped us when we needed it the most, but coming here has allowed me to see others beyond what I usually see. 

Reaching out to a food pantry gave me a chance to stop and see the people in the small waiting room with me. One day, as I listened to “Standing in Your Love” by Bethel Music, literally standing in the room because there were no seats available, God gave me a sense of joy. 

I was joyful not because of the situation that brought me here, but because God used it to humble me. Through His provision, I have joy knowing He is a good Father. By stopping to see God meeting the needs of others, even if they don’t know him, I have joy, knowing He loves all of us. Looking around, the Lord had given me a heart to pray for every face. 

Like them, my life isn’t perfect. Like them, I need a Savior. The fact is that my life has everything I need. I have Christ. After I leave the donation center, my freezer and pantry will be stocked. My husband and I will have food to cook and enjoy, meeting our physical needs. Yet, more than that, the nourishment of my heart, mind, body, and soul comes from God. In Him, I truly have all I need.

Philippians 4:19, “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” NKJV