What is to Come?
There are just some things you can’t put inside a box. You can’t quite contain it. You can’t define it. And you’re not exactly sure how to describe it.
Is it eagerness? Is it anticipation? Yes. And yes. But mingle those with a heaping dose of joy and large scoops of excitement, and you have the perfect recipe for miles of smiles.
Kiddos may not be the best at knowing random dates on a calendar or picking up random clues. But when a special tree in December gets all dressed up in lights, it ignites their hope of what is to come.
When we light the Christmas tree at Texarkana Baptist Children’s Home, we enter a very unique season with our kiddos. They know good things are supposed to come, but not every Christmas in their past held anticipation, joy, or excitement. And now, with the loss of family, holidays become even harder.
But the faithfulness of God gives the greater hope of what is to come.
We never want to rob the glory of the Lord by diminishing Jesus as the true reason for Christmas. Yet God is so great and so good. He is so kind and so full of grace. And His heart is always moved by those who hurt. So, when God sees the hurting, He uses people to be ministers of His grace. People on earth become the literal hands and feet of Heaven.
That is exactly what the Grady Doles Kids’ Foundation annual “Day of Christmas” is for our kiddos. It’s the ultimate lollapalooza, an extravaganza of being showered by love, kindness, grace, and peace with a ton of fun, shopping, eating, and fellowship. The Grady Doles Kids’ Foundation is an amazing group of beautiful people who rally together for the singular purpose of seeing the unseen and pouring out blessings on the lives of children.
If Buddy the Elf could plan the most perfect day of festive merriment, it would be the annual “Day of Christmas.” The kids lovingly call it the “Party Bus World Tour of Texarkana” because when the Party Bus rolls up, they know only fun rolls out. Inside the bus is crazy karaoke. Outside the bus are pit stops to Gusano’s Pizza, Academy, Walmart, Target, and Nothing Bundt Cake. The day culminates at Northridge Country Club, where the community of donors hosts an unforgettable evening with mega s’mores around the world’s largest fire pit. This year’s event will even include a special firework show! To end the night, Bubba’s 33 generously provides the meals the children take home, ensuring the joy continues long after the lights fade.
Each kiddo has their own unique perspective on this day. Some, like C.J., favor the fellowship. She says, “I really love the s’mores and the huge fire pit at the end of the evening. We can just sit and talk, be together, and just be ourselves. I can’t believe how kind they are to take their day off work to spend with us.” Others, like L.F., are razzle-dazzled by the shopping. She says, “I love shopping with them. We get to pick some people to shop with us, and it is such a fun time together.” And then there are those like A.T., who become overwhelmed with humility after the day is over. She says, “How do we deserve this? What makes them do this? Why are they so kind? I just can’t believe we get to do this.”
To echo those sentiments of humility, it does cause the heart and mind to ponder when lavish moments of grace are poured out on us. Why? Why us? What makes them do this? Do we even deserve this? We just know that every time there is anything good that comes to us, it is because the Lord is the Ultimate Giver. Jesus is the greater hope of what is to come. And until He returns, He uses people to pour out His blessings.
If we aren’t careful, we may only look for Jesus during Christmas and Easter. But it is the literal everyday moments where we see Jesus the most. We see Him through beautiful people like those of the Grady Doles Kids’ Foundation who demonstrate His lavish grace. Not only do we thank the Lord for them, but we pray His richest blessings over them in return.
The Grady Doles Kids’ Foundation has been primarily supported by a dedicated group of friends, along with generous contributions from Diamond Bank and State Bank. As the mission continues to grow, additional support is essential to continue helping children in need.
The foundation is currently raising funds through a community raffle. Tickets are $5 each or $20 for five and can be purchased from any member of the foundation team. The drawing will be held at NCC during the s’mores gathering.
Prizes include:
• A four-gun raffle package
• A SkinRNs service package
• A weekend stay in Hot Springs
• A weekend stay in Glenwood
Those who would like to contribute beyond the raffle may also:
• Contact Mitch Campbell at 903-908-9715 or Robert Davis at 903-277-5899
• Make a deposit at Diamond Bank into the Grady Doles Kids’ Foundation account (501(c)(3) receipts available upon request)
• Scan below and send donations throught the foundation's Venmo account with Grady Doles Kids’ Foundation in the memo.
