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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: GENEROUS (10/31/19)
He lived to the ripe old age of 106, the oldest man in our town. A very generous man who gave a lot of money away. I've heard he gave to every non-profit organization in our community; the county thrift store, the food pantry, the senior center and more. If you had a need you could apply to his fund for help to meet that need.

His funeral is tomorrow. It will be held in the city auditorium because they expect most everyone in this town would be there to pay their respects to the man who did so much for our community. Someone thought I should go. Maybe I should, but I did not know the man. Yes, I seen him around town and knew who he was, but I didn't know him personally. Should I go just because he gave money? Should I go to show my thankfulness of all he has done for us? I'm not sure.

Makes me think of my own giving. I do volunteer my time at the local food pantry and I believe most people in town know that. However, most of my giving goes unnoticed by anyone except the one who receives. For example, I like to help people with their taxes. It is something I really enjoy doing and people are so appreciative of the help.

My husband and I were not able to have children, so instead of giving Christmas gifts to each other, many times we would give gifts or money to other families in need. That seemed to give us more pleasure for an otherwise lonely holiday season.

However, most of our giving is on the sly, paying someones grocery bill or water bill without them knowing. Sometimes we will send some money in the mail without a return address. We read in the bible where God rewards those who give in secret, Math. 6:1-4(NIV). We want to be recognized by God for our giving, more than people. Also, I think the Lord looks not on how much you give, but on the heart of your giving.

Not to take away from the wonderful things this man has done in any way. I'm sure his heart was in the right place from what I've heard. Yet, for those of us who have very little to give, I think the Lord honors the giving we do with what we have. Only the Lord knows for sure where my heart is, but I pray He will give me a more generous heart in all my future giving.
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This article has been read 601 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Barbara Culler 
11/08/19
I understand where you are coming from! I feel the same way- I'd rather be in the background, but every once in awhile, some attention would be nice.
Chris Goglin
11/09/19
I too, like to give in secret. It is much like a surprise Christmas present...I think that is why I get so excited about giving during the holidays. I enjoyed your article, and yes, you are noticed every day as Jesus gives you the A-OK! Good job!
Allison Egley 
11/10/19
You make some good points here.

I wonder if you could make this into more of a story with diaglog? Maybe try telling it from the point of view of someone who received one of the checks. Certainly you've wondered what there reaction was, and what they said. What they told their family members. Etc. Try telling it that way!

I appreciate how you went back to the beginning, and that you weren't trying to take away from what he's done. I feel that's important when something could come across as a criticism, even if it really isn't.
Marlene Custer 
11/10/19
Reminds me of the widow’s mite. It’s not so much how much you give, but what you have left over.