Giving

Simon was very moved for the people of Haiti. When he hears about something or someone who is in crisis he goes into "What can we do?" mode. On our second trip to Ethiopia, he emptied his band account and had us deliver ALL his money to Grace and Manny. On this last trip to get Grace and Manny he gave his money to his Grandmother. Today he is giving the entire contents of his piggy bank to Haiti. $100.00. He earned about 50 bucks a couple of weeks ago shoveling snow in the neighborhood. He worked long and hard in below freezing temperatures. He used ALL that money plus some he'd saved from other projects and put it in an envelope. I am so proud of him. We never prompted him, never implied that he should give away his money. This has led me to think about my own giving. Have you ever given all you had away? Would you? Is that crazy or Christ like? Luke 18:22 tells us the story of the rich young ruler: [22] When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." [23] When he heard this he became sad because he was very wealthy."
Luke 6:20-26 "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.
Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the son of man.
Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets.
But woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry.
Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep.
Woe to you when all men speak well of you for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets.
Simon knows what is like to be without. He has been without food, water and adequate shelter. He has loved and he has lost. He has then received it again. He gives all. Unfortunately we, as a country, are stuck in the "woe" section of the scripture. Is it easier to give it all when you have only a little? Isn't it easier to understand where all blessings come from if you have few blessings?


Simon this morning having a bagel and tea before school. He looks so old with his hair braided!


The letter he wrote on the outside of his money envelope.