They are a rare breed, the person that will give you his coat when he has but one, who will cheerfully fill your stomach when his is empty, who will gladly take the floor so you may have the bed. Rare is the person that will help with no reward for himself. Growing up with my grandparents and mother, all three generous beyond fault, I assumed everyone but me was that way–giving, loving, genuine. Life, as I have mentioned, is a harsh teacher.

In this post-Eden holding tank known unaffectionately as “the real world,” self-promotion is god, king, and idol. For too many people, helping others has its place…when there is an appropriate return–money, acknowledgement, reward. ‘Tis a pessimistic view of mankind, I admit, but I daresay not entirely unwarranted if given honest thought.

The Christian homeschooling community has raised the veil from my depressed view of society. Among this group are the most remarkable people I have enountered en masse. They use their time, efforts, and money to offer assistance and support to complete strangers, many of whom have nothing to give back. They lend a helpful hand to the floundering, the lost, the overwhelmed, and those simply starved for a bit of encouragement on this often lonely path that is homeschooling. True, there are those homeschoolers, yes, even Christian homeschoolers, who are blind to the needs of others, ensnared by pettiness, or struck by the poisonous bite of comparison or superiority. And there are those, like me, who can’t even juggle the laundry and dishes while trying to teach long division to a horse-crazy day-dreaming bookworm, let alone open my arms to the needs of others…without His help, that is, and perhaps my own Martha to handle the housework. As a whole, however, this group has risen up as Christ commanded to help the orphan and the widow. . . and the struggling homeschool mom with nothing to give back. I see it elsewhere, now and again, with a lovely couple here, a terrific family there, a fine single woman willing to sacrifice or a young man passionate for Christ. Occasionally a whole community or church seems to radiate His love. Yes, there are spots of brightness throughout the world. Most remarkable to me, however, is the sacrificial willingness I have witnessed in this quiet corner of joyful, often over-burdened mothers sweetly reading to and instructing their children, giving their non-existent spare time to help others along this path, and scrubbing science experiments off the kitchen walls. It is a beautiful thing, even the goo on the walls.

My Simple Thanks

There are more self-sacrificing homeschoolers out there than I could even begin to mention, some in my own desert community, some across the miles to whom I owe more thanks that I can give.

There is a trio of ladies who have been unknowingly lifting me up for some time. Ann, Rebecca, and Joy are the three homeschooling mothers in my notable blogs sidebar. They bless numerous people with their encouraging, grace-based messages. Many others have encouraged and blessed strangers as well, and in thanking these three, I thank them all. Do visit these remarkable, Godly ladies.

Then there are the groups. Over at least a portion of the past decade of my family’s schooling, three groups stand out for their constant willingness to give of themselves while asking (and receiving) nothing in return. I humbly offer them my thank you across the miles.

Ambleside Online

A group of homeschooling parents set up a Charlotte Mason style curriculum and offer it entirely free, no strings attached. Not even a loose thread. Many of the books you would need to follow this curriculum are available free online, and most of the research in finding these books has been done for you. While we use only a portion of their recommendations, the fact remains that Ambleside Online is simply a gem and a true treasure for many.

Wholesome Childhood

Pick up a free ebook every weekday from Wholesome Childhood. Free! No, really. I’m not kidding you. Follow the link maze to find the free weekly audio pearls as well. This family finds amazing treasures, and they give them away. Did I mention they’re free? I’m speechless, and nod my head in gratitude. (Yes, they have sites where they sell items as well, because their family likes to eat a few square meals.)

Charlotte Mason for Moms of Many

Homeschooling parents of large families who enjoy a Charlotte Mason style of education join together on the CM for Moms of Many list for daily encouragement, advice, and sharing. While this group is not faith-exclusive, they are primarily Christian, always praying for one another, offering support, and answering questions. I have occasionally ventured into other groups out in the big bad world, but am always sent running back to this one. They even helped us find our van, or bus as we call it. I give you fair warning that babies are born frequently on this list, and the baby bug is definitely contagious.

There are too many to name. It is truly wonderful!

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