Instead of trolley dashing through the aisles to get your supermarket shop done as quickly as possible, consider shopping for someone else too. Offering to get supplies for a friend whose car is off the road, or for someone you know who is unwell or elderly, could be an absolute life-line. As the slogan says, every little helps.

Green: Pop a few extra items into your trolley for others or to add to the charity box on your way out.

Amber: Phone or call in on an elderly or unwell friend, neighbour or family member and ask if you can do their shopping along with yours.

Red: Bless someone by not only collecting their shopping for them but paying for it as well.

“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” (Hebrews 6:10 NIV)

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Generosity has always played an important role in my life. Growing up in Ghana, I learned that my grandmother always had food available because she never wanted to have a guest she could not feed. The town nicknamed her ‘Nana Akosua Spinach’ because of her infamous spinach stew. 

After my mum passed away, my siblings and I faced many challenges. My father couldn’t always be around so my older siblings became responsible for us. There were many times when we would have gone hungry were it not for the generosity of neighbours who were on the lookout to bless and provide for us. I remember one ‘sibling-huddle’ we had to discuss our circumstances. Shortly after my older siblings had prayed over us, we found a basket that had been left at our door with food in it!

I was supported through secondary school by my church family, with various members blessing me week in, week out. When it was time for me to go to sixth form I realised that there was no way I could obtain all that I needed to board, but various people chipped in to help. One of my brothers even sold his shoes in order to bless me – that has stayed with me forever.

I am always on the look out to be a blessing whenever I can for, as my grandmother used to say, ‘We may entertain angels.’

When I moved to the UK I had a neighbour who always lent me a hand and in that I was reminded of the community spirit I enjoyed back home in Ghana. She joined in with many of our family celebrations and we spent some Christmases together even after we moved away.

In our new neighbourhood, someone I had not yet been introduced to asked if I could help her with the shopping because she was caring for her sick husband. I knew I was in the right place and felt completely comfortable to do so.

The difference we make in the lives of others cannot always be measured this side of heaven. As God gives you opportunity, choose to be a blessing.

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Nora is the last of seven children to her mother and father. She was born and raised in Ghana before undertaking her professional qualifications in both the UK and Ghana.

She and her husband, David, have two wonderful children. Nora is a Solicitor Advocate by profession who loves and serves the Lord.

charity: Seeway

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