Kym Gordon Moore
Author ~ Transformational Speaker ~ Freelance Writer
"No one can see your visions and dreams as clearly as you can. Purpose is the key to creation, manifested through vision!"
In January 2009, Favorite Things for a CAUSE began celebrating and paying homage to many unsung heroes, doing some extraordinary things in our communities. Everyone has a purpose in life. We are discovering a number of ordinary people, doing some amazing things to help those in need, by lending a helping hand and extending the gift of hope. We began featuring on our blog (www.favoritethingsforacause.wordpress.com), many everyday people, with a commitment to serve their communities through unselfish acts of service, when they may not be financially wealthy themselves or hold a celebrity status. As we enter our third year of Favorite Things for a CAUSE, we are completing plans for upcoming mentoring projects we will implement. We are so excited about the unlimited possibilities this new initiative will present. www.favoritethingsforacause.com. We encourage you to be inspired, and then be an inspiration!
Why Embrace
The Community?
Community is a fundamental part of our existence. In order to plant and fertilize the seeds for our generations to come, I know that I have a responsibility to teach about the mistakes we made, the things that broke our hearts, the grief we experienced, the victories we won and our renewed sense of hope and restoration, when everything around us said hopelessness will prevail. Not on my watch is hopelessness going to be an ingredient to cook in my stewpot of life. Hopelessness is not a fruit of my spirit in God’s blueprint for me.
Throughout the course of my personal and spiritual development, I realize that our existence is not about us, but about the purpose God has for us to perform. As we look at our lives, we must think about what type of legacy we will leave the next generation, to educate, encourage and empower them. At the same time and at this very moment, we must ask what are we doing for those in our communities who need help and hope, instead of a handout?
I constantly think about what positive impact and influence can I leave those who will follow after me to carry on and serve their purpose. As I reflect on the following scriptures, they give me a renewal of the fire that burns within, to be a participator of life and a messenger of hope, instead of becoming a spectator of slothfulness. Regardless of your race, denomination, educational background or socioeconomic status, find your purpose, cultivate that purpose and serve it well.
"And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
- Matthew 25:40 (KJV)
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Favorite Things for a CAUSE (Creating Awareness by Understanding Setbacks through Edification) is a community initiative and mission that was conceived in November 2007, by Kym Gordon Moore and Francene Marie Morris. We were inspired by the popular and highly acclaimed Oprah Winfrey Favorite Things Show, where Oprah gives her studio audience some of her favorite things, no matter what the cost. We wanted to take this concept and apply it to the community, by utilizing some of our favorite things, through service benevolence. Our inaugural project began with a mock version of Oprah’s show and called it “Favorite Things for a CAUSE,” that was held at The Dove’s Nest, on Sunday December 16, 2007. The Dove’s Nest, which is a subsidiary of The Charlotte Rescue Mission, is a women-specific recovery program that provides a loving, highly-structured Christian environment to help women understand and deal with the core issues of their alcohol and/or drug addiction.
With the generous support from many of our friends, family and retail vendors, we were able to bless these residents by sharing some of our favorite toiletries, food, songs and ministry with them. One of the greatest surprises we received for this event was a complimentary issue of O, The Oprah Magazine for each resident and staff member, sent from Hearst Publications/ Magazines. The objective was to encourage them to persevere in their journey of recovery and never give up hope, despite the trials and tribulations they may be facing right now. These gifts were not expressions of pity, but symbols of love and support.
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2009 General Mills Feeding Dreams Community Champions
CHARLOTTE, NC - I want to take this opportunity to congratulate Kelly Hutchinson, Founder of R.E.F.O.R.M. for receiving the first place award, at the 2009 General Mills Feeding Dreams Community Champions Award Luncheon, held at the Marriott Executive Park Hotel, on Wednesday December 2, 2009. Valarie Brooks, Executive Board Member with the Girl Talk Foundation received the $1,000 award for her organization and on behalf of The Dove's Nest, I received the $2,000 award to be applied to their Capital Campaign Expansion Fund.
Susan L. Taylor, Feeding Dreams Celebrity Spokeswoman, and former ESSENCE Magazine Editor-in-Chief, was the guest speaker and presented the Community Champions with their respective awards. It was an amazing, emotional and gratifying day. The experience felt so surreal, but in the reality of it all, we left there with a renewed spirit and determination to continue making positive contributions to our community.