Imagine dropping a pebble into a still pond. The initial splash forms a series of ripples that spread out, growing wider and affecting the water’s surface far from the original point of contact. A ripple of water is a poignant correlation to how our actions, however small, can influence and touch the lives of others in ways we might not immediately see. It reminds us of the interconnectedness of our world and how every action, no matter how small, can contribute to a more significant change.
Bowling Green residents Steve and Laura Briggs believe the smallest act of kindness can lead to big change. Steve and Laura understood the importance of doing good for others from an early age. As adults, they are both actively involved in the community, working in many ways to help as many as possible. HELPING IN ACTION Steve serves as an elder with the Bowling Green Christian Church and volunteers with the winter shelter, Room In The Inn. Steve feels working with both groups helps to keep him grounded.
“I mostly serve with our church organizations,” he explained. “Our church offers several opportunities through great Christian leadership to serve and model Christ-like behaviors. I like it as it keeps me grounded in the Lord. Picking two of my favorites, I try to sign up at least two times a season to serve as an overnight host with our church’s Room In The Inn program. Melody Urban and Jessica Reeves do such a great job in coordinating these evenings for us. Our guests are so very thankful, and you get to meet great folks with unique stories and offer an evening of hope.”
Six years ago, Laura found a way to earn extra income for her family and help others across the globe. Enter, sock puppets!
“I was looking for a way to supplement my teaching income, and I stumbled upon sock puppets,” she explained. “Today, I have made more than 2,400 puppets. I sell them on Etsy under the shop name, ‘Sockrider Puppets.’ Sockrider Puppets have traveled to Africa to teach kids about dental hygiene. Even after 2,400 puppets, I still look forward to making them and creating new personalities.”
Laura also showcases her sock puppets in area craft shows and other fun adventures.
Additionally, he helps with the church’s Awana program.
“We get to encourage the kids while providing fun activities that are value-based,” he said. “Each week, the kids are asked to find a treasure verse. They come to the gym ready to find scripture and see it as a treasure.”
Laura also volunteers with the church, where she has a special place in her heart for the church’s school outreach program.
“I coordinate an Angel Tree Christmas assistance program,” said Laura. “I connect our church members to students at Bristow Elementary, where I teach English as a second language or ESL. It fills my heart to see my church family help my school family have a Christmas that’s a little brighter. I also really enjoy volunteering with MEALS delivery. I’m so glad that this organization can provide hot meals for members of our community who need a little help.”Thankful and proud Steve and Laura agree that volunteering has benefited them just as their help has benefited others.
“I’ve been so blessed with a loving home, food in my cabinet, and all my basic needs are met,” said Laura. “There are so many people in our community who can’t say that. I feel that I have a responsibility to give back if I can.”
Steve added that helping others also helps him to focus on the important things in life. “For me, it is very grounding,” he said. “Whatever struggles Laura and I may be going through, by volunteering, I get to spend time encouraging others, which I feel is a spiritual gift for me and motivates me to continue to want to serve in a positive, Christ-like way.” The couple is also proud of each other’s dedication to helping others. Steve said he’s most proud of Laura and her dedication to her students. He lovingly compares Laura to being “saint-like.”
“She not only puts up with my shenanigans but makes a difference for so many,” said Steve. “She is an ESL teacher and is influencing kids all the time. My heart is continuously warmed as she tells me of a student who becomes a better reader or performs better in a subject directly related to her teaching. Laura coordinates our church’s efforts with Angel Tree programming. To see the devoted time and effort she puts in so that families can have a fantastic Christmas just makes me so proud of her.”
Laura said she is additionally inspired by Steve’s giving nature and his ability to see the bigger picture.
“He’s always the first to offer help to those who are in need,” she explained. “He is the one who signs us up for Saturday morning MEALS delivery. I will admit that setting an alarm for the one day a week I can sleep in isn’t something that I love. However, Steve can see beyond that one moment, and he knows that once I’m handing out those meals, I’m always glad I’m there. Sometimes, we need to accept just a little discomfort or inconvenience to do something important for the bigger picture.”
Steve added that he compares his and Laura’s relationship to a watercolor painting she gifted him years ago. He said it reminds him of how lucky he is to have Laura in his life. “Laura gifted me a watercolor of two puzzle pieces. I think it is symbolic of how we work together as a couple. It sits on my dresser and is a regular reminder of how blessed I am with my spouse. We are for sure in a season of goodness, and it is nice that we can give back a little of that goodness to others.”
Paying it forward and encouraging others Thankful for their blessings, the couple plans to continue to volunteer and help those in need. They also hope to motivate others to help where they can and are able. “Volunteering helps to offer a smidgen of hope to others. We never know how we are influencing someone else through our interactions and volunteering,” said Steve. Laura added that everyone can help others.
“The best way to volunteer is to find a cause that you care about and get plugged in,” she said. “We can’t wait for someone else to step in to do the work. We need to be that person. There are so many great organizations in Bowling Green that do great work for the community. We should all be involved to support them. I believe in the two greatest commandments: Love your God and love one another. When we give our time and energy to help our neighbors, we are honoring God by sharing all the blessings we have received.” GN
