The Act of Living Generously

By Rebekah Zehr, Parent Committee Coordinator

Judy walked out of the Boston Oncologist’s office into the chilly fall day, she felt completely defeated and discouraged.  Fighting back the growing urge to give up on the hope that the cancer in her leg could ever be eradicated, she weaved her way through the crowd of people on the streets.  As she made her way toward her hotel, she decided to pack her bags and cancel the treatment and surgery. It was all too overwhelming.

As she turned a corner, she noticed a homeless man in a bit of distress.  He was apparently having a difficulty getting his jacket on.  Crowds of people were taking great measures to distance themselves from the man, crossing to the other side of the street as if he had a contagious disease.  Years ago, Judy had made a decision to acknowledge every homeless person that crossed her path.  This day was no different.  Despite her own despondency, she did not hesitate to approach the man.  She gently talked to him and helped him untangle his clothing.  As she turned to leave, he grabbed her shoulders, looked her in the eyes, and told her that she was a beautiful person.  Struck by this man’s genuine appreciation, she made a decision to go through with the treatment and surgery.  It ultimately saved her life.  Fast forward 25+ years, with her cane and prosthetic leg, she does not hesitate to cheerfully approach homeless people and strike up a conversation.  This has become her ministry.

“Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat.”  Mother Theresa 

My friend, Judy, is very ordinary-just like you and me.  She is not recognized as a  superstar.  She has just chosen to open her heart to be generous in her own intentional way.  

For many of us, it is easy to give at Christmas time.  There are a variety of very good charities and causes out there vying for our donations.  It’s important to financially support charities, of course.  But as we take down our trees and sweep out the needles, let us be intentional to not

 brush away our hearts for giving. 

Whether you have a passion for a specific cause or not, whether you have money or not, you have value and worth and can be used mightily by God.  All you need to do is open your heart and embrace the challenge.

I am using my friend as the standard for how I live my life in 2021 and beyond.  I pray God gives me a soft heart to recognize and respond to needs around me.  Please, won’t you join me?

“If we are worth anything, it is not because we have more money or talent, or more human qualities.  Insofar as we are worth anything, it is because we are grafted onto Christ’s life, His cross and resurrection.  That is a person’s measure.”  Oscar Romero