This week's Feel-Good Friday story is about redeeming purpose. An elderly woman named Norma recently moved into assisted living, and felt as though she had lost her purpose in life -- that is, until Norma began sewing pillowcase dresses for girls in Africa. There are organizations and groups worldwide that participate in this, but all the efforts get to Africa through one hub: an organization called Little Dresses for Africa. 

In 2008, Rachel O’Neill had a vision to “show the little girls they are valuable, and that God has a plan for each of them.” This formed into a goal to bring 1,000 dresses to a small village in Malawi, Africa. Fifteen years later, through non-governmental agencies and other networks, Little Dresses for Africa distributes 4.5 million dresses from people and partners worldwide, and also has an offshoot called Britches for Boys.  

The Pillowcase dresses are more than mere clothing. They are like a protection cloak for the girls who receive them.

Over one million children in Malawi alone have been orphaned to HIV/AIDS. Because girl orphans are among the most devalued and abused in their culture, and face such oppression, it is the mission of Little Dresses for Africa to plant in the hearts of these little girls that they are worthy. It is reported that girls wearing a new little dress are much less likely to be abducted, abused or molested because the new little dress shows that someone cares about them.

The Little Dresses for Africa's history encourages, "These little dresses, given freely to those in need, plant the seed that they are worthy."

And through this ministry, Norma found her purpose and worth restored. Nate Eaton of East Idaho News was alerted to this woman's work, and chose to highlight her for his own Feel Good Friday segment.

Norma moved into an assisted living facility fairly recently and was discouraged because her life changed so much and she didn’t feel like she was contributing like before. But she soon learned about a service project for children in Africa. Putting her sewing skills to use, to date, she has made about 500 pillowcase dresses for children in Africa and she continues to work on them continuously. I admire her so much for her commitment to service and blessing the lives of people at a time when it would be easy to feel down and helpless. She is amazing!

A small act of giving what you have on behalf of another has a transformational effect, not only on the recipient, but on the one who gives. Norma has gotten a new lease on the balance of her life, and given unspeakable gifts that will change life for many young girls.