About a year ago, Mary,
17 years old, found out that her neighbor, Glen, had been diagnosed with Stage
3 cancer. He was struggling with both
his health and maintaining his home. A
group was called in to make some home modifications to make it easier for Glen
during his illness. When the team
arrived they discovered that Mary, even though she is of small build, had been
carrying fresh water in gallon jugs to Glen for almost a year. She also brings food and has Bible studies
with him in his home. In addition, Mary
takes the time to text Glen every day.
If he does not respond, she assures him she will go and check on
him. Glen told the workers, “She’s the
reason I am alive.”
In the fall of 2016,
Matthew Garcia found out that he didn’t qualify for the state cross-country
track meet during his senior year in high school. That evening, even with the disappointing
news, he still went to his younger brother’s football game with his
mother. At half-time, the cheerleaders
were doing a special cheer with their fathers.
Addie Rodriguez, 9 years old, was standing by herself. As the other girls were lifted to their
fathers’ shoulders, Addie covered her face and burst into tears. Without hesitation, Matthew jumped over the
fence and asked Addie if he could hoist her to his shoulders like the other
cheerleaders. Addie readily accepted his
offer and while the crowd cheered the two finished the cheer with the rest of
the group. Matthew and his mother later
learned that the reason Addie’s dad was not present was because he is serving
our country as a senior airman and medevac tech in the Air Force. At the time of the game, Addie’s father was
on a training mission. Matthew Garcia
was honored at the “2017 Musial Awards” which recognizes recipients for great
moments in sportsmanship in North America.
He didn’t think he deserved all of the attention for his act of
kindness. When interviewed he
stated: “After I’ve seen the impact that
something that little causes, you never know what could happen. A small gesture can make somebody’s day, and
that means a lot to me.” Even when
facing disappointment from the news about the state track meet, Matthew chose
to do something that made a big difference in someone else’s day.
Jason Schneidman is the
hair dresser for several “A List” celebrities and clients in Los Angeles. He also uses his skills and talent to help
give dignity to the 60,000 homeless by giving free haircuts. Schneidman has now organized a campaign
called “Street Cuts” because he understands the power of a fresh haircut. “Their appearance changes and their attitude
changes… People around them see these people differently.” Jason realizes the importance of hope because
13 years ago he had a helping hand getting back on his feet after recovering
from a drug and alcohol addiction. Jason
said, “If we all do a little, we can help out a lot.”
“You are now called by God to showcase the power of His Spirit by the way you live. Your mission is to do this until He calls you home or returns to end human history, and you will be rewarded – by the God who created you, the Son who died for you, and the Spirit who empowered you – for giving the world an accurate picture of His love.” Francis Chan
Do
not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (NIV)
And
remember, it is a message to obey, not just to listen to. So don’t fool
yourselves. Do what it says. (The Message)
James 1:22
A
good man produces good deeds from a good heart. And an evil man produces evil
deeds from his hidden wickedness. Whatever is in the heart overflows into
speech.
Luke 6:45
He
answered, “’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul
and with all your strength and with all your mind.’; and ‘Love your neighbor as
yourself.’”
Luke 10:27
Whoever
claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.
1 John 2:6
It just shows you just how important it is to act when God nudges you!
ReplyDeleteThis may be revisited in Sunday School next week.
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