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Many years ago a Kentucky pastor received a package in the mail, containing a book entitled "Understanding Womanhood" — a book designed to explain to young girls the physical and emotional changes they would experience during adolescence — along with a letter.
The couple who wrote the letter explained that they had devoted themselves to giving their little girl every possible material and educational advantage, yet unexpectedly, just as she turned 13, she committed suicide. After reading her diary, the parents realized that the girl had been experiencing great inner turmoil about the changes that were occurring in her body and her emotions. No one had ever taken time to explain or forewarn her about those changes — and the fearfulness and confusion of it all became too much for her to handle.
The couple went on to say that they had taken the money they had saved for their daughter's college education, and used it to purchase a copy of this book for every clergyman in the state. "If we had only known and had been able to communicate to our little daughter some of the truths that are in this book, perhaps she would be with us yet."
_________
Are you communicating to your children the truths that are in the most important Book of all? How many individuals around you are succumbing to despair and hopelessness because no one has taken time to explain eternal truths to them?
Source: John Claypool, Stages, p. 39
Topics/Tags: Proclamation; Ignorance; Adolescents; Sharing
It is part of the Near Eastern world's etiquette to want to share hospitality with others. After a meal has been prepared, an Arab has been heard to call out three times from a high spot in the neighborhood, inviting men to come and partake of the meal. These men of the desert do not like to eat alone!
Job went a step further and declared that, if he were found guilty of eating alone, then he would accept divine punishment: "If I … have eaten my morsel alone, and the orphans have not eaten of it, … then let my shoulder blade fall from my shoulder!" (Job 31:16,17,22).
Are YOU that serious about making your abundance and sustenance available to those who are less fortunate?
Source: Wright, Customs Of the Bible, 69.
Topics/Tags: Hospitality; Food; Sharing; Poor, duty to
A very old lady and a very small boy were seated side by side in the pew at church. As the collection plate was being passed, the little boy noticed that the lady was fumbling unsuccessfully through her purse without finding any money. He leaned over and conspired with her: "Here, ma'am, you take my dime. I can hide under the seat."
Source: unknown
Topics/Tags: Offering; Generosity; Sharing; Compassion
One Good Friday, a severe earthquake hit Alaska. Many buildings were totally destroyed, including the Church of All Saints. Consequently, on Easter Sunday, parishioners of All Saints went to nearby St. Mary's Church, which had sustained only minor damage in the quake. In the church that Easter Sunday, two lists were posted for people to sign. The first list was headed, "WE NEED." The other was listed, "WE HAVE TO SHARE."
To everyone's surprise, no one signed the first list, but nearly every family present signed the second list! On it, they listed all the items they were willing to share: clothing, food, fuel, skills, etc.
Many of those who signed the "share" list had lost most of their possessions in the disaster, yet they were willing to share the few things which they did still have. It was a remarkable example of the spirit of the first Christians who formed the church in the wake of the resurrection of the Lord!
Source: "Sermon Illustrations for Holidays and Special Occasions"
Topics/Tags: Generosity; Charity; Easter; Sharing
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