another successful transformation by THESIS

Jubilee Furniture weekly update post for Friday, October 25, 2013

I have a genuine affection for my donors, customers and volunteers � so this week when a fairly regular donor phoned to say her 52 year old sister had passed away � I was sad and so sorry for her loss.

She didn�t call just to give me this news � but rather she and another sister were sorting through their third sister�s home and had furniture to donate.  Dealing with donors who are dealing with the death of a loved one and contact Jubilee Furniture to donate good, usable furniture from the loved one�s home � is a common occurrence.

As I murmured my sympathies and offered my condolences � I felt a nudge to do more.  The nudge is actually more like a tightening in my stomach that makes me feel a little sick since I know I�m about to reach out in a way that makes me vulnerable and it�s scary.

You see � I�m involved in a ministry at my church called Stephan Ministries whose mission is to equip regular men and women to walk through life�s challenges with hurting people � and people coping with grief definitely fall into this category.

Stephan Ministries� founder, Dr. Kenneth Haugk, wrote a series of grief booklets after the death of his wife � which have been used for years and been very helpful to individuals dealing with the loss of a loved one.

So, what�s so scary about offering to mail out some booklets? It�s scary because they�re written from a faith perspective.  Faith is a very personal thing.  I had no idea if my donor would be offended.

Gulp.

My belief in God is central to who I am � but I would never want anyone to feel like I was forcing my faith down their throat � be it my donors, my customers or my volunteers.

Warning!  Awkward segue.

If you were a customer this week and stopped in the store today between 1 and 8 or tomorrow between 9 and 4 � the following photos show you SOME of what you�d find in our 30,000 square feet of inventory:

this Rossetto glass top table has a fabulous � heavy � base.  It�s priced only $145 due to several chips in the glass.  Four leather chairs � one is ripped at the corner along the seam � priced $4 each (these chairs retail for $199 each)

Crate & Barrel slip-covered sofa � slip cover needs some spot cleaning � priced $225

white wicker hutch (designed to be put on top of something) priced $20; white wicker bookshelf is $30

showing some wear but overall a very nice leather sofa by Smithe Craft � priced $135

sweet student desk priced $35

there�s something super attractive about this muted floral sofa � priced $135

need some bling in your home?  This metal and glass hall or sofa table delivers!  Priced $60

excellent condition micro-fiber chair � sorta greenish/gray � priced $95

Teresa said this sofa is very comfortable!  Blue curved sofa priced $95

side chairs by Directional priced $50 each; round side table for $10

here�s another piece made by the Italian company, Rossetto � gorgeous credenza, tons of storage (doors slide toward each other and there�s open storage with one shelf; three drawer in the middle of the piece) � perfect media piece � like new except for one small chip on a back edge � priced $325

CR Laine chair and ottoman � some minor wear � priced $95

gorgeous secretary priced $175

fun stackable chairs priced $60 for all four

very attractive media stand priced $125

there are two matching swivel, rocker/recliners � both in excellent condition � priced $75 each

this sofa needs to be professionally cleaned � but there is something very attractive about it (in my humble opinion) priced $40

comfy sofa � needs some adjusting of cushions and such � priced $40

this pine collection by Broyhill is in very good condition � table, 1 leaf and 6 chairs all for $225; matching two piece lighted china cabinet is $175; square end table for $40; square coffee table for $50

gorgeous pedestal table with two leaves � priced $145

oh my � what a fabulous retro chrome and formica top table with one leaf and four chairs (one chair is ripped) � priced $195 for the set

I�m in love with this vintage recliner � it�s super comfortable � admittedly rather masculine looking � priced $95

antique oak chair (looks rather royal doesn�t it?) priced $110; so cool carved nesting tables � priced $65 for the set

we�re selling this as a three piece sectional � but it would make for a mighty l-o-n-g sofa if you put the three pieces together.  It�s more like a sofa w/chaise and an armless loveseat � there are kitty-like pulls along several corners and some minor spot cleaning is needed � but otherwise in good shape � priced $175 for the whole thing!

spot cleaning is also needed on this red micro-suede loveseat but otherwise in good condition � priced $45

fabulous walnut cedar chest with gorgeous carving � priced $195

To finish my story, I did volunteer to mail my donor the grief booklets and she appreciated � and accepted � my offer.  She thought after she�d read them they might be helpful to her parents.  Oh man � suddenly I thought of my 84 year old mother dealing with the loss of one of us �kids� and I wanted to cry.

If this series of booklets provides my donor and her parents one moment of peace and comfort during this devastating journey of grief � it will make my discomfort at offering so worth it � and, actually, seem rather ridiculous that I ever thought to hold back.

Never withhold hope or a hug to a hurting world, dear reader.  Never.  Yes �sometimes you�ll be pushed away but the times you aren�t are so very sweet.