Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Strength

Last November, Shirley started a challenge on the Paperthreads forum called "Monthly Random Act of Kindness" . She noted at the time that Wikipedia defines a random act of kindness (RAK) as a selfless act performed by a person or person wishing to either assist or cheer up and individual.

The goal was to start a monthly challenge that would promote a RAK in the form of a card shower for a person who needed their spirits lifted, some cheering up show them that they are thought of and cared about.

Every month she has shared a story of a person who is having a difficult time with something in their lives and always, she shares stories of how happy the people receiving the cards were when they received them. The stories are bittersweet but always share the strength of the human spirit and the people themselves.

Here is the link so you can go see all of them and the stories if you are interested. If you would like to sign up for this month, just click on this link. No rules on how you create your card. It's all you.

In any case, I was working on a card for this months RAK which I just wanted to share with you. It's got lots of glitter (got to love that!) and the shading was done with colored pencils.

It is for a woman named Brandi Todd who was paralyzed after a mentally unstable man stabbed her in the back while she sat on a bench watching her children play.

I think what always impresses me, not only about Brandi but ALL of the people who are chosen (including a young child) is that they don't let whatever is happening to them stop them from going on and doing what they always have and enjoying life. Very similar to my friend Eveline who's story I shared previously; it's their Strength I admire.

That's why I chose the Oak tree which is a symbol of strength. Those roots are firmly planted and the arms of the trees stretch all the way out ready to take whatever blows it's way.

Thanks for listening to my rambling lol! It is such a blessing it is to have family and friends...it is what gives life it's meaning.

Night everyone!
Eddita :)

PS: Thanks Shirley for doing such a great job!

3 comments:

Barracudasue said...

How very sweet of you to feature Shirley's RAK on your blog. It's very near and dear to my heart also. It gives us time to reflect on how blessed we ALL are. I, for one, don't know if I would have the STRENGTH to carry on! I pray I never have to find out...

I love your oak tree, Eddita! You did an awesome job in creating this card for Brandi. God bless you!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for talking our RAK challenge Eddita! I love your card and Brandi will too!

Shirley

Accents By Eddita said...

Shirley you are most welcome...I hope a lot of new people read it and sign up

Eddita :)