Daily Devotion

This Story was written by Cindy Williamson of Columbus, Ohio 

This testimony to the power of God’s Grace Your Hands was sent to Pastor Heidi on June 4^th, nine months after our September event, from a woman who lives in Columbus!  A story that continues to reveal how the Holy Spirit is at work through our ministry.

 First, I believe that to whom much is given much is expected. Whether it’s monetary or time I’ve tried to do my best to give back. I turn 60 on 10/29/20 and I had planned on these months leading to my birthday to be filled with travel, dinners, gatherings, holiday celebrations – well so much for that!

On 10/29/19 (my 59^th birthday) there was an article in The Columbus Dispatch about the $60,000. passed out to the parishioners of Good Shepherd. I thought to myself, I would like to do that, however $60K would be a stretch but $6000 distributed over 12 months to 60 people - $100 to five per month- was very doable.

I made a post of my plan on Facebook on 11/1/19 and the response was incredible! I’m now on my eighth month of giving and it warms my heart to hear about all the different non-profits my friends and family have donated to, as well as multiplying the gift with a match. The gifts aren’t  just shared locally – there have been gifts to, Koala Relief in Australia, Las Vegas Cares, a Haitian family, a homeless High School senior in Florida who bought Christmas gifts for the family who let him sleep on their couch.  Now he is first in his family to go to college and received a scholarship to FAMU!

Locally donations have gone to Star House, Mid-Ohio Food Bank, Literacy Council, several animal rescue operations and Freedom a la Cart who help victims of human trafficking. The list goes on and on and it wouldn’t have happened if your church hadn’t decided to pay it forward and that random article appearing in the paper on my birthday! During this uncertain time I’m also donating and volunteering at organizations that are near and dear to my heart – Charity Newsies, Ronald McDonald House, VoiceCorps and the Second and Seven Foundation. While my journey to 60 is not what I expected, thanks to you it’s been an opportunity to spread joy.

I Timothy 6

¹⁷ Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. ¹⁸ Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. ¹⁹ In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

Reflection: What are the most surprising or creative ways you have been called/invited into generosity?