As we enter November, we often think about the holidays that will soon be upon us – Thanksgiving, and then Christmas. With these holidays approaching, we also think about those that might need some extra help during the holidays.

This is when so many parks and organizations get together to offer assistance to a local charity, family, or school in their area. I am also blessed by the helpful hands our Winter Texans have and how you give so much of yourselves while visiting the Valley. You are truly appreciated by the communities you choose to prop up during the holidays.

All of this help brings Christ-like attitudes to the surface and reminds me of a recent lesson I helped teach at church that focused on three principles that Apostle Paul taught and how they develop with each other, and you can’t have one without the other. These principles are Faith, Hope and Charity – Charity being the greatest of all. He taught that these divine principles form a foundation upon which we can build the structure of our lives. Together they give us a base support like the legs of a three-legged stool. Each principle is significant within itself but also plays an important supporting role.

Each is incomplete with the others, he taught. Hope helps faith develop. Likewise true faith gives birth to hope. The principles of faith and hope working together must be accompanied by charity. Charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever. It is the perfect manifestation of our faith and hope.

This is what we, and especially you, give the communities around you that you help each year with your charity. You show them love, you give them hope, and they grow in faith. It’s such a pure act of kindness, and it is just one of the things I love about your presence in the Valley, and one of the things that I look forward to each year.

I love sharing your stories of charity. Your stories of giving to those in need. Your stories of giving comfort to others.

Please share what you are doing this year. We would love to share your stories. You can send photos and information to news@wintertexantimes.com.