It’s not about bras

During a clothes drive in downtown Raleigh this winter, the women kept asking if we had bras. We didn’t. But I promised next time we would. Friends donated new or worn-once bras for two weeks and this past weekend we showed up with 500 bras. We gifted every woman with two beautiful new bras carefully wrapped in tissue in a cute little boutique bag complete with toiletries. We likely measured and gifted around 70 women that day.

I don’t really think about women's need for bras. (As a matter of fact, I could really use a new bra myself.) What I do think about is Jesus and how He meets needs. I want to be like Jesus so give me a need, and that’s my purpose.

There was a young woman in line and when it was her turn to be measured, she was careful not to hand me her bag or her hoodie. She was very protective of her things. I won’t begin to pretend that I know anything about the homeless. But I do know a thing or two about mothering and loving people. While I measured her, I asked her name and immediately asked her I could pray for her. She gave me a smile and a yes. We prayed but I can’t tell you want my words were, but I felt the prayer. You know sometimes when you pray and it just feels like a normal conversation and then sometimes you pray and you can feel the Spirit running through your veins. That. After she asked me why I asked to pray for her.  I told her the truth, I didn’t know. I just felt like I was supposed to ask. I think she said thank you and I think she said I needed that. I can’t remember. That was why I was there that early cold Saturday morning, to pray with her.

Here’s the truth. I was scared! I’ve served in many different ways in third world countries, but even in my backyard, I get nervous, timid, afraid to serve in new ways. I’d only measured two other girls in my life- myself and my daughter! I was on my knees for my team that morning telling Him, “I don’t know what I’m doing!” We had a team of friends to serve, the tools and the willingness, but He was going to have to be our words, strength, and protector. I had girls on my team that had never served the homeless before and I wasn’t about to show nerves in front of them. As a leader, we must show faith. God was bigger than my nerves. The team had a wonderful experience and we left with plans to return to serve in new ways.

It’s not about bras. Mostly it’s about those you are serving. But sometimes it’s not even about the people are you are there to help, sometimes it’s about those you are serving with and creating servants and leaders in them.

We want to hear about how you are serving and leading. Comment below! 

Cary Heise, Faith Women in Raleigh

Missionary at home,

Cary Heise

Follow me on Facebook at Your Godly Girlfriend

If you are thinking of serving your community, let me share that I’ve learned the importance of partnering with ministries or organization that are already doing to the work. They know the demographic, they know what the true needs are and they will likely keep you safe in areas you aren’t familiar with.