Back to School!!

Its that time of year! School is about to start, and "back to school shopping" has started. All the stores are having back to school sales. And all the mommas are out there buying stuff! As I was standing in line at Aeropostle this weekend with my arms mounded full of stuff for my two oldest step daughters (13 and 16)...I watched. I watched moms and dads with teenagers looking at clothes...the kids were trying stuff on, and choosing the items they liked most. The store was packed full of people! The next stop was Old Navy for my youngest daughter and my stepson...and those places were just as crowded and people were trying to find all the best deals. About 3 hours later after a stop at target for school "supplies" ...as my husband and I got into our car, I looked in the back and saw ALL of the bags. There were jeans, shoes, pencils, pens, dresses, skirts, shirts and sweaters....Because thats what you do, right? You buy your kids school supplies and back to school clothes. Because the first impression on the first day of 8th grade is important. Because you as a junior in high school you have to have the right jeans. Because as a 6th grader...you need to have the cool new shoes.

But what about the kids that don't get new shoes. What about the kids that dont get the cool new jeans. What about the 8th grade girls that doesnt even have clean clothes to wear on the first day of school...let alone something brand new.

There are SO many kids that live in my very own community that wont even have a new pencil for school. Their parents cant afford the school supplies list...and they sure as heck cant afford new clothes.

I remember as a kid my mom would always take me school shopping and I was spoiled rotten. When I got older she would take me to the makeup counter for a makeover with all the new fall colors...and we would spend hours picking out clothes. I just expected that. I was thankful, sure....but it never ever crossed my mind that there were people that werent doing what we were doing. Moms that couldnt afford to buy their kids new jeans, nikes, or Lisa Frank school supplies.

Now I get it....and I wanted to help. At our church there was a bulletin board with names of kids in a local low income neighborhood...when you take a name, the back of the card has a  list of school supplies...You are supposed to get everything on the list. I picked a little girl in 3rd grade...and as I shopped for her, I prayed for her. I picked out hot pink notebooks, I chose glittery pencils, and folders with hearts on them. I will continue to pray for this little girl...and I challenge you. As you shop for your kids....as you pick out the jeans, the shoes and the school supplies...think about the kids that wont be getting anything new this school year...and pray for them. Or better yet, find a place in your own community where you can help a child get new school clothes, or supplies!

Happy Monday Ya'll! Have a great week!