06/03/2026
all of this ๐ค
A couple of years ago, I had the opportunity to host a waffle for a dear friend who suffered tremendous loss to her property and poultry due to a tornado. Being so far away, I felt helpless and unable to physically assist her during such a difficult time. So I did what I could - I organized a tornado relief waffle through this page.
What followed was incredible. Hundreds of donations, gifts, and entries poured in from people who simply wanted to help. Together, we raised a substantial amount of money to help her family begin rebuilding.
Not long after, another close friend experienced devastating losses from a hurricane. Once again, this community came together in a remarkable display of generosity, compassion, and support.
While organizing those waffles was essentially a full time job for a couple of weeks, they taught me something invaluable:
the power of service and selflessness.
Iโd like to think those efforts made an impact beyond the individuals they were intended to help. Over the years, Iโve watched our community rally around people facing medical crises, livestock losses, natural disasters, and countless other hardships. It is a beautiful thing to see people choosing kindness and helping one another through the difficult seasons and lessons of life.
What has been disheartening, however, is the increase in negativity surrounding these efforts - finger pointing, accusations, judgment over who is โworthyโ of help, and even jealousy.
โIf you have two coats and your brother has none, give him one.โ - Luke 3:11
That principle has guided my life for many years.
When someone is struggling, I would rather err on the side of kindness than judgment. I choose to give when I can, whether I personally believe someone is deserving or not. I trust that the Lord can use any act of service for good - whether the blessing reaches the recipient, the donor, or the community as a whole. My responsibility is simply to give with a willing heart.
Whether someone chooses to support a waffle is entirely their own decision, and that choice should be respected. What should not be tolerated are personal attacks, false accusations, inflammatory comments, gossip, or attempts to shame those who choose to help.
You may not agree with every cause. The recipient may not meet your personal standard for who deserves assistance.
Thatโs your right.
But condemning others for choosing compassion, generosity, and service is neither productive nor helpful.
If a particular waffle isnโt for you, simply keep scrolling.
And if your frustration stems from seeing someone else receive support while another person in need has not, then ask for help. Chances are this community will rally around them too.
At the end of the day, kindness costs far less than bitterness, and communities are built by people willing to lift one another up - not tear each other down.