Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Joplin, Stockpiles and Letting Go

After the recent devastating weather events that have taken place in Joplin, Mo, Alabama, Oklahoma and Arkansas, those of us who were unaffected feel compelled to do something, anything to help those who were in harm’s way.

There are many ways you can help, donations of money, goods from your stockpile, blood, services, etc. Our family doesn't have a lot of wiggle room in our budget, which I'm sure is the case for many of you. I also don't have a high-need blood type. With two small children to take care of, I can’t run out to aid in clean up either. However, I do have a stockpile.

As some of you saw on Facebook, I was contacted a few months back by the Producers of TLC’s show Extreme Couponing about possibly being on the show. They informed me that Season 2 is really going to be focusing on stockpiling, the bigger the stockpile the better! I have a moderate stockpile but I could really build it up over the next few weeks if I wanted to in an effort to secure a spot on the show. I thought about it, prayed about it and eventually came to a conclusion I really didn't expect. I'm going to give most of my stockpile away. I'll save one or two of most items, but for the most part I'm going to donate it to those in need.

Did you know that the majority of my current stockpile came for the Kroger/Dillon's store in Joplin, Mo? What a blessing that I have the opportunity to give back to the town I couponed in!

This move will most definitely mean that I will not be on Extreme Couponing, and you know what? That's ok. My family and friends are safe and healthy, my home is still standing and my life is going on today exactly as it did yesterday. So many people can't say that right now.

I was surprised at how hesitant I was to let go of so much of my stockpile that had nothing to do with the show-

What if I need something?

What if a sale doesn't come around?

Insecurities and lack of trust flooded my mind. But you know what immediately followed? The confident assurance I have that no matter what, God will provide for my family just as He always does.

After all, it really is just stuff. Plus, I'm not sure I want to know if the camera actually adds ten pounds or not. :)

10 comments:

Guest said...

This made me cry.  I don't know you, but I know I like you.  What a wonderful example of doing what's right, not what's popular or easy.  Thank you.

Dianneluke said...

I understand the struggle and admire your decision.

Jennifer said...

Amen and Praise God!  Do you have any information where others who don't live close to Joplin could donate?  Thanks for all you do!

The Belt's said...

They should have you on the show just to show what a blessing having that stockpile can be when others are in need. It would make them look a whole lot better than the way they portray people now as hoarders. I think that's a great thing you are doing and you will definately be blessed for helping others.

Laura Ready said...

This is the kind of thing they need to show on television instead of "the bigger the stockpile the better." What else would a stockpile be for? Thank you so much for your heart.

Diane said...

Awesome decision!  I wish more were like you!

Guest said...

Bethany, what a blessing to hear that you will be giving your stockpile to the people of Joplin. God has given you an awsome ministry in couponing and what a way to share the love of God.

Melissa said...

I always appreciate your honesty about your struggles in making the right decision. ( As I have the same thoughts and struggles)  That is one thing I love about a stockpile is the ability to always be a blessing even if the bank account is low.  Besides being a blessing, you are storing up eternal rewards.  I do wish the show would show someone packing their stockpile to be a blessing to others now that would be EXTREME.

Alissa said...

Wonderful decision! Not only are you going to be a huge blessing to those in Joplin, but honestly, TLC makes most of the people on the show look bad. I'm glad you aren't doing it!

Katie (yo sista in Christ) said...

Matthew 6:33, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

I am blessed by your decision to bring Glory to our King instead of to yourself.  Thank you for sharing this and may we all seek Christ above all things, even when the alternative is OH SO TEMPTING!  God will absolutely provide for you again, just as He did before.  You taught me this in your diligent tithing even when funds were its lowest.  I am so thankful for your faithfulness sister.