Check back in October 2023 for this year's Holiday Honor Cards
Beginning in 1987, the Honor Card program by William (Bill) Mangum has raised over $9 million dollars to support the needy and homeless across the state of North Carolina. The Hendersonville Rescue Mission is proud to be selected as a participating agency of this wonderful program. Expenses for the production of the cards are underwritten by William Mangum and the Wells Fargo Foundation.
Each year artist William Mangum creates a signature painting to be used as that year's Holiday Honor Card. During the holiday season, Honor Cards are available for a minimum donation of $5 each, and 100% of your contribution goes to help the hungry and homeless at the Hendersonville Rescue Mission. Individuals who purchase Honor Cards send them to friends and family, indicating that they have been honored by a donation to the Hendersonville Rescue Mission. Every year there is a back story to the images painted by Bill. "Making A Difference" is the theme of this year's card and below you will find the story that goes with this image.
2022 Honor Card: Making A Difference
Years ago, I began a routine of leaning upon some inspiration each morning to jump start my day. While this certainly in not a unique practice, it is one that motivates and encourages me to take on the day. At daybreak awaiting me in my email are three heartening messages from, “Our Daily Bread”, Rick Warren’s “Daily Hope” and Ralph Marston’s, “Daily Motivator”. I don’t believe it’s ironic that “daily” is a part of each title! What it says to me is that left up to my own devices I would crumble in this world. I need daily insight, motivation, vision, incentive, enthusiasm and encouragement. These ingredients shore me up and provide a foundation that allows me to stand up to the demands and pressures of this world. But as we’ve all seen, a powerful storm can create erosion which can reshape shorelines and undermine foundations.
In so many ways, it seems like it was yesterday that I first came across my homeless friend Mike Saavedra, when in fact, it was 1987. What began as a good Samaritan gesture turned into a commitment to use my talents to raise awareness and funds for the homeless and needy. While Mike's time here on earth was short, his impact on me and others continues to resonate more than three decades later. The first Honor Card, "Not Forgotten," has the most timeless title. Mike has not been forgotten, and the fact that a wandering, homeless, mentally ill individual could inspire such incredible change is heartwarming. For not only did Mike make a difference in our community, but he also made a difference in me.
Are you making a difference? That's a profound question and one that should give us all pause as we think about our everyday actions. How fortunate for me that I lent an ear and invested a few dollars in buying a stranger breakfast on that particular Thursday morning. Through that chance encounter, I sort of went back to school and got an education on how to look at life from a different perspective. I immediately recognized that if I wanted to be like Christ, I needed to put others first and add value to their lives. That is a tough chore in this day and time, but the opportunities abound all around us.
Whether you engage with the homeless every day in your job or simply drive past someone standing on a corner asking for help, to affirm the dignity of the homeless, and work for their well-being is a Kingdom calling. If you work or volunteer consistently with the homeless, hear the words of the author of Hebrews: "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). We may never know the impact of making a difference in someone's life, but if you pause and look at your reflection in the mirror, you will see they are making a difference in you!
"And do not forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God". - Hebrews 13:16 NIV
-William Mangum, Artist
Bill Mangum, Artist