I saw two pieces of information that grabbed my unconscious and has been floating around for days.
"A study found that poor people are more generous then wealthy people."
And from MothersQuotes.com:
Four Things You Can't Recover
The Stone after the Thrown
The Word after it's Said
The Occasion after it's Missed
The Time after it's Gone
I remember my Kentucky Mamaw and Papaw giving everything they had to keep family and extended family fed, and temporary shelter. They weren't well off and struggled everyday of their life.
Their example was lived out by my Mom who was wealthy in comparison and her generosity lives on in me. Though generosity isn't always food or monetary.
Each of us walks through life in lack of one sort or another. Lack of kind uplifting words when none can be found. Lack of encouragement when anger can only be found. Lack of inclusion when isolation is overwhelming. Lack of adventure when self-confidence escapes us.
Yet when we with lack reach out and give with a generous heart what we need to another, it's amazing how the action pulls us from a inner place of poverty to a place of enrichment, peace, close proximity to God that no other action can.
Who among you will give your child a stone when he asks for bread?
Define child!
Music from American Authors, with Best Day Of My Life.
"... it's amazing how the action pulls us from a inner place of poverty to a place of enrichment, peace, close proximity to God that no other action can." This is so true! The more generous we are the more blessed we are. Oh, I love the song! So upbeat and happy! Blessings and hugs and prayers for Andrew and Barb.
ReplyDeleteGayl, thank you for the blessings and hugs. I also love the message of the song, verbally & visually.
DeleteI am often amazed how God uses us through our greatest weaknesses rather than our strengths. Blessings and Peace to you tonight, Andrew.
ReplyDeleteBethany, true what we consider weakness Our God sees as strength. Makes one wonder how the realm of Our Father actually functions and visually appears.
DeleteBarb, what a powerful post. It's so true, there are certain things you cannot recover. And I have seen people who had nothing give me everything they had. Talk about humbling. I appreciate that you did not confine generosity to monetary means. There are many other ways to practice generosity. You and Andrew are generous with encouragement, which is a precious gift to those who receive it.
ReplyDeleteI loved this paragraph: "Yet when we with lack reach out and give with a generous heart what we need to another, it's amazing how the action pulls us from a inner place of poverty to a place of enrichment, peace, close proximity to God that no other action can."
thank you for the exhortation to look for those ways I can be generous toward others.
I'm praying for both of you!
Jeanne, your encouragement and prayers have enriched our lives. We pray that your days are filled with blessings.
ReplyDeleteThat was nicely written. Sometimes I wonder What makes some folk more natural givers....thinking its mindset
ReplyDeleteAnnette, I'm sure DNA has some play in our perception, but I also think of those reared in an abusive household, how do they become natural givers? Surely a dichotomy.
DeleteBarb, these words resonate so deeply. I am thankful also that you have been writing here too. You also have a tremendous gift. Thank you for reminding us that there is an ability to give even in our lack and that poverty is more than just lack of monetary resources. A much needed reflection that I must linger with.
ReplyDeleteJanel (http://viepourcettetemp.wordpress.com)
Janel, I'm humbled to provide my Father's knowledge to His children. May these words bring life long insight.
DeleteSo very true; thanks for this reminder. Sending prayers and love.
ReplyDeletePaula, I'm humbled to share God's inspired Word. It's rather amusing that each post ends up being a lesson of action for me each time.
DeleteWonderful post, Barbara. You have powerfully reminded us of the importance of things we are unable to recover. Generosity is such a gift we can offer one another and when we do, we will never lack but are enriched far beyond that which we have given. Praying for you & Andrew.
ReplyDeleteJoanne, thank you for the prayers, they are our daily protective shield. They are the Generosity of our Blog family.
DeleteLoved this! Continuing to pray for you both.
ReplyDeleteTara, thank you for continued prayers. They are our protection daily. Generosity of out blog family is more then we could have ever asked.
DeleteMarie, beautiful example of generosity to yourself and your freind. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGreat truths summed up here. Thank you for sharing wisdom. Blessings to you and Andrew!
ReplyDeleteLeigh, thank you for the blessings of your freindship.
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