“Fifty-Two Weeks of Inspiration”

I started this project not only for myself creatively, but for the women in our community! These next 52 weeks you will meet women that are an inspiration to our community, who go above and beyond for their families or our small town, who may own their own business, or are just an inspiration to those who love them. Each woman has their own story, their own calling, their own struggles, and their own accomplishments. I couldn’t have said it better “I want to inspire people. I want someone to look at me and say because of you I didn’t give up.”-unknown

{Week Two of Fifty-Two Weeks}

“You are only as limited as your own mind set”

This last week I got to spend some time with this amazing lady. She is not only an inspiration to myself, but to so many who are in need. She has a true calling for what she does! Her faith in the Lord is extraordinary. The power of prayer and her unchanging devotion to help those in need is one of the many reasons she is such a blessing to our community. My second weeks challenge is with Sheila Harr the faithful, caring, strong women, and such a true blessing of King’s Portion.

What is King’s Portion you ask? King’s portion is a Nonprofit 501(C)(3) organization dedicated  to provide food for the community who may be struggling, the elderly, sick, single families, or those who can’t make it on their income. They collect and distribute food such as meat, canned goods, bread and other food items to those in need within the community. All items are given away at no cost. They serve everyone that is in need of assistance without discrimination. “No one will be turned away!” Sheila says.

I asked Shelia how she got started and why it is important for the community to know how important this pantry is to her. “I am a Christian! I do what I do because it is what God has called me to do. No degree, no diploma just a call, and I stepped into it in obedience. One day in prayer I asked God, “what is my calling? God you have a calling for every person. As a little girl I remember watching the TV show specials about “Feed the Children” and to watch the suffering of hungry children in Africa broke my heart” She said. As I sat next to her, my heart just breaks. We all have seen the shows, the commercials, or a documentary on the hungry children. I know I see a commercial once a day and my children too have said “I want them to have what I have”.  Sheila goes on to say “I would cry, so desiring to help in any way. But as a small child myself, I couldn’t do anything. I asked my mother if we could help, she kindly said “yes! We could sponsor a child or even 2”. So as a family we did. I remember feeling a sense of “it’s all ok now” since we were helping a suffering child” as she is holding back her tears. “Just one! If I can reach just one and not leave anyone behind” she says. She was guided by God and her many prayers to do what she was called to, helping those in need. That is how King’s Portion came to be. They have now been open 5 years and counting. Her goals for the pantry are to spread out and reach the homeless, the broken and lost, and serve hot meals to those in need. Her ideas and goals are endless as there are so many in our community who would benefit from them. King’s Portion has also taken on another amazing program called “Blessings in a Backpack”. This program has been brought to help serve our children/students in the Douglas Community Schools. Blessings in a Backpack/Bag started with just two schools in 2005 and now serve 66,000 students in 642 schools spread throughout 45 states.  There will be more about this amazing program soon :) 

Sheila is a very compassionate person, very strong women who reaches so many broken and hurting!! People often don’t realize how hard it can be for some people to make it, even in a small town! We tend to believe there is no poor, homeless, and struggling amounts us. But there is! She is the heart of King’s Portion, but so are all the many volunteers that help make it successful. From packing bags, to helping them to their car with their groceries, to logging numbers in the computer, to a private prayer they are all there to help in their own way. Where does the food come from you ask? The majority of their food comes from donations. Those donations come from individuals and local businesses within the community. If you never been in the pantry I would urge you to go, even if it is to see it in person. It’s a very powerful thing/place to walk into. I remember the first time I went, I was blown away with amount of energy that I felt just walking in the door. Very powerful! The shelves are stocked from floor to ceiling with canned goods and other items. 

As I walked around this evening watching and listening to those Sheila was helping, to a group of women in the back room praying. I found myself thankful! I am very fortunate to have what I have. To be able to eat a warm meal whenever I want, or even go out to dinner. To my amazing husband who does everything he can to make things possible and works so hard for everything we have. I am humbled and truly feel blessed to be in the company of these volunteer’s, these shepherds of our community.  What Sheila has done here is truly inspirational. What she and her husband do for this community is beyond amazing! I love this quote from Mother Teresa “At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received how much money we have made, how many great things we have done. We will be judged by "I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was naked and you clothed me. I was homeless, and you took me in.” 

Getting to know Sheila……

What’s your favorite bible verse…..Two actually! "If it is in the power of your hands to help someone, do it now and not wait ‘til later” from the book of Proverbs. And “If you are faithful over little things he will make you faithful over much”.

Her office is purple along with a wall in the pantry, her favorite color. Books, she has many but most of them are scripture books, spiritual books, and bibles on the shelves along the wall. You feel almost like being at home while in her office. 

What has been the most rewarding…..The customers who have given back. The hugs they share with me, the flowers of thankful hearts, the many cards and the words of “Thank you, Because of you, and Love”. Gods favor over the ministry, increased space and new building, money and to be able to serve. 

What is something you may have on your bucket list…..Africa/India to serve among the orphanage and lepers.

What is you biggest fear…..Biggest fear would have to be flying! Also one forgotten person and haven’t been able to reach everyone who may be in need.

Who inspires you? And why…..My husband! He is the most patient man, most gentle, his values, a Godly man, and whose wisdom is cherished.

Who is your biggest cheerleader…..Becky Soske is my biggest cheerleader! She is very confidant, strong, compassionate women who offers much wisdom. She is my most treasured friend!

What is your favorite quote…..”You are only as limited as your own mind set”

One word describes “Shelia” and why she inspires you…..

“SPARK, she kindles the flame in others to give and care.” - Felicia Smith

“Warrior! Sheila is a prayer warrior for this community. She has a heart as big as the sky. Everything she does, she does for the glory of God & this community benefits greatly from it. The food pantry & blessings in a backpack are defiantly a blessing to so many!” -Bridget Stinson

“Overcomer!  Sheila has faced many obstacles in her life, and has found her way to use her own challenges from her past to be a blessing to others today.  She is a friend to all, and a stranger to no one.  She loves people with the Lord's love and reaches the lost, hurting and broken in a way that is real and tangible.  She is a precious blessing to this community!!” –Becky Soske

“DRIVEN! She is driven by her love of God and her desire to have a deeper relationship with Him. She is driven by her love and compassion for the lost, the poor and broken hearted!” –Jeff Harr (husband)

“I have been asked to describe Mrs. Sheila Harr in one word.  ONE WORD!!  How do you describe a lady who is of grace, integrity, who is Godly, a helper, a shepherd, a giver, is wise, hospitable, and is always helping.  She is a woman who has taken a thought and turned it into an amazing ministry for her community. Her knowledge is inspirational and leads people to God and His truth.  She is a prayer warrior unlike any I've met and leads and encourages others to do the same.  Her vision has helped feed the masses and given nourishment and warmth to those who are in need and those who may just need a pick me up.  She is one of the most selfless individuals you will ever meet.  She has helped create a way to feed our children in a way that the child stays prideful. I could go on and on, so to ask for one word to describe Mrs. Sheila has been a challenge.  I've looked through dictionaries, thesaurus, and thought and thought and thought.  What is a word that means all of this?  Maybe the word ECLECTIC?  Even that doesn't touch the true sense of Sheila Harr.” –Sandra Toolen

“Graceful!  Sheila has been such an inspiration for me, and so many others, because of her compassionate loving heart! She cares so much about everyone she meets and wants to share Gods love with them.  She always has a huge smile on her face and can light up any room with her presence! Our town is so blessed to have such an amazing woman!!” –Nichole Sullivan

“Joyful! She lives her faith. Always there for prayer and encouragement, life with Jesus is full of joy and Sheila wears His joy beautifully and shares it with all. I am Truly blessed to have her in my life.” –Becky Reynolds

The amazing volunteers with Sheila this evening (Wendy, Rena, Becky, Dixie, Lori; and Leona)

Thank you for letting me questions you, follow you around your pantry while you were hard at work, and to be able to capture your true love for your job. You are my inspiration!

The King's Portion is located 

1954 East Richards St.

Madora Plaza, Suites #11 & #12 (east of Shopko)

How can you get involved?

To support the King's Portion you might want to consider:

Prayer for the food pantry

Donating food items

Donating money

Volunteer your time and energy

If you are a local Business or group:

Hold a food drive

Make a corporate contribution

Any and all support is GREATLY appreciated!!