I want to inspire people to show biblical hospitality. We can treat both strangers and friends with kindness. Many lonely individuals are out there, which can make a difference. One way to do this is by creating a space for community. People can build deeper relationships and find a sense of belonging. They gather around the best casino games, sharing excitement and experiences.
I want to share a story about someone who changed my life. It inspires you to reach out and include others in simple ways. Small actions you take can build a community. They might even help others grow. That was true for me. I have a long list of people who have invested in me over the years and helped me become the woman I am today.
This is How One Woman Welcomed Me and Others Into Her Family
In my early twenties, I had the blessing of my friend’s (at the time, brand new) mother-in-law, Gail. This woman was a godsend since I have always been a bit domestically challenged. She introduced me and some friends to quilting and delicious treats. I’ve served those treats to many others since then. She was also a role model of biblical hospitality. She helped us build a community around this fun new skill.
This amazing woman inspired us each week. She shared her wisdom while teaching us to quilt. She also created a great community for everyone. She gave us a place to get to know each other and grow our friendships as we learned from her.
I remember walking into her house and feeling comfortable. The smell of whatever she was cooking or baking was evident when we entered. Her house always smelled delicious and was beautifully decorated. We could tell that she wanted us there.
Upstairs, a room was prepared for us where we set up our sewing machines. She taped little paper bags to the sides of the table so we could put our scraps (brilliant, right!). And she often had little gifts for us. Gail thought of everything.
We Were So Lucky to Have Her
I remember thinking, “How lucky is my friend to be marrying into such a great family!” And she indeed was. The great thing about it for me, though, was that I was included.
I learned a lot from Gail. She listened to our problems and gave us advice. She laughed, shared tasty treats, and showed us how to quilt. She allowed us to be ourselves and went along with our silliness. (We were pretty goofy back then… and by “we,” I mean me. I was pretty goofy)
Gail was safe. She made us feel loved, and we could talk about anything around her.
So many of the things she did have since been incorporated into how I welcome others into my home and life today.
She Baked Us Delicious Treats
It’s funny how many of my favorite memories involve food. I’ve always been a little clumsy at home. Still, I started baking after hanging out with Gail and the other girls. We loved everything she cooked. We probably ate too much at her house. But I was in my early 20s, so my body could handle it then.
One thing I never forgot was her Pumpkin Eater Pumpcakes. These pumpkin chocolate chip cupcakes are super addictive—they might be the most addictive treat I’ve ever tasted. Luckily, she was willing to share the recipe with me and told me I could share it with you. See how wonderful she is!
She Taught Us a New Skill
Quilting was one of the first things I did that made me feel like I had accomplished something. I remember going to the fabric store with my friends. We looked for the perfect fabric. We wanted two patterns that “read as a solid.” She told us it might be more challenging than we thought to choose. Boy, was she ever right about that! I’m pretty sure I may have laid on the floor of the fabric store crying at one point and then laughed until my stomach hurt. It is such a great memory.
Gail opened up about her passion and formed a great community with us. That group was like family. Now, I share things that I know with others.
She Shared Wisdom About Life
I love being around older people. Their stories are interesting, and I learn a lot from their wisdom. She was obviously in a different life stage than me since her son was marrying one of my best friends. Her children were lovely humans, and I wanted to learn her ways. Gail and her husband had a great marriage. Watching her interact with her teenage and adult children was great to witness.
I choose to welcome people in and show them our real life. What you see is what you get with my family. Final Thoughts
Gail’s kindness and hospitality touched me. Her generosity changed how I welcome others into my home and life. Her example taught me true hospitality isn’t about a perfect home or skills. It’s about making a space where people feel valued, loved, and included. I hope her story inspires you to find simple ways to build connections and bless those around you.
