There’s an old saying, “When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade,” and that’s precisely what Destiny Pannell is doing in Dumas, Mississippi. Instead of making lemonade, however, she’s making greeting cards to lift people’s spirits.
“My husband and I, like many others, have had a difficult year. There’s a lot of negativity everywhere, and I really sat with God one day and asked Him what I needed to be doing,” Pannell shared.
A graphic designer by trade, the stay-at-home mom felt inspired to use her talents and design greeting cards to cheer people up, and she’s doing it at no cost.
“I asked the Lord, what do you want me to do? I have a gift. How can I use it? He laid it on my heart to create “Precious Memories,” Pannell said.
People from all over the Magnolia State and the country can contact Pannell through the Precious Memories Facebook page and request a card be sent to a loved one. Her cards can be sent digitally or printed; she will design them to fit the person’s needs. There is no cost involved, and Pannell hopes it buoys the spirits of others while bringing a little bit of good into the world.
“My mother was a nurse in a nursing home and would see people daily who never had any visors or interaction with other people other than the nursing home staff. There are so many overlooked, overworked souls in Tippah County alone who could use some love,” Pannell shared. “Veterans, shut-ins, nursing home patients who may not have family or someone to visit, this can bring a little light into what is often a lonely world.”
Pannell and her family visit her 93-year-old grandma often, and her “Mamaw” inspired her to push forward with Precious Memories.
“At 93, my Mamaw has had a life of ups and downs, and she’s seen so much, but you know what hasn’t wavered? Her faith. Her faith in God and in me. Her belief in serving others is my vision for this. The love and joy she gives me is what I want to give to to others. This is something I can do. Whether digital or a physical card, I want people to feel the love of God. I want them to have something to look forward to. I want them to say, ‘Hey, if some stranger took the time out of their day to do this, then why can’t I do that for others?'”
Small acts of kindness significantly impact the lives of many, even if that impact is often unseen or unknown. That’s what Pannell hopes to accomplish with Precious Memories.
“I chose the name Precious Memories because that’s what life is,” Pannell said. “Life is a series of memories. Many are so precious that they need to be preserved. Life is what you make it. It can be good, or it can be bad. The struggle is definitely real, but so is God. If anyone knows someone who needs some joy, I’d love to hear about it.”
