Tammy please tell us about yourself.
I am a 38 year old follower of Jesus Christ. I was a special education teacher before deciding to be a stay home mom. I have been married for over 10 years and have 2 amazing children. My son, Hunter is 6 and my daughter, Brooklyn is 4. I am a breast cancer survivor, and every day I try to live a life full of gratitude.
What is WeServe, and how did you get involved?
Weserve is an outreach program set up by Grace Church in Durango, Colorado, to help others in need. There are no strings attached. Whether it is someone battling cancer or a person who has just lost a loved one, Weserve finds a way to bless others with the power of helping hands in a 2-3 hour time slot. Members from the church fulfill a list of needs that are given ahead of time by the designated person in need.
When my daughter Brooklyn was 3 months old, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I underwent 4 months of chemo, 5 surgeries and 10 procedures in 10 months. I was blessed to have church, friends and a community rally behind my family and me. Our needs were met before we even knew what we needed. Weserve was launched as a way to pay forward what others did for us.
In what ways have those who served with Grace Church’s WeServe helped others?
Weserve has hung Christmas lights, painted, wrapped gifts, helped repair a fence, completed home repairs, carpet shampooing, cleaning, and stocked freezers.
Why do you think serving others is important?
Love is an action word. When we put others before ourselves and meet their needs in practical ways, we are able to show God’s love.
What benefits have come to you when you give of yourself to help others?
The benefit of giving of myself is that I know I am doing what God has created me to do. I have been blessed with life, strength, health, and perspective that I never want to lose. By serving others I am reminded daily of God’s grace on my life and the honor to be used by the Lord.
At home education with Courtney Smith
Thanks for sharing Tammy’s story. It’s a good reminder to be thankful for every moment and to use the time God gave us for his glory.
Yes, it is a good reminder, since we don’t know how much time we have. A thankful heart like Tammy’s pleases God. May we all have such a heart.
Thanks for sharing your story with so many others. Tammy has always been a beautiful person both inside and out. She was blessed with the most beautiful smile and ability to show love and compassion to others. We can never understand the depth of what she endured during those years however what gave us some peace was knowing how deep her faith in God was and hearing how this group of people stepped up to make sure needs were being met in her home and with her family. It touched us beyond words to know that so many people were giving so much to help one family get through what must have seemed at times like an impossible situation. I applaud these people and know their lives are blessed for helping others. I think our truest blessings come when we help others in need. I wish I could have been closer to Tammy as to help also during this time but I am so happy for the ones that could and did. Tammy has been a blessing to my life and I love her dearly. I encourage everyone to keep praying for a cure for cancer. Do for others in need, sometimes the smallest thing can mean the world to someone in need.
Love,
Aunt Vicki
Tammy’s ability to show compassion even after her fight for life is a story that I wanted others to hear. It is my pleasure to know her, and I hope her words inspire others. Thanks for commenting.
Always love to hear Tammy’s story and how she responded with love for others!