One simple act

     Remember when Jesus feed the 5,000+. I say plus because history reports there were most likely as many women and children following Jesus as men. A little boy had a few fish and some loaves. Jesus took it and multiplied it. The real gift was the boys willingness to offer his lunch. Like the little boy, we need not be ashamed of bringing our small lunch to Jesus. When people think of generosity most often they think of grand gestures and sweeping acts of charity. But when Jesus gave us an example, he focused on just one simple act. If we are willing to hold our resources with an open hand there is no telling how far Jesus can multiply what we offer.
     Now here is the thing I read a story about Betty who gave a clerk $ to pay for another woman's groceries after the other woman had left to go to the bank. The clerk explained that most people don't come back because they are ashamed. Betty insisted on paying. The clerk asked why? Betty explained that she had been in the other woman's position one time wondering how she was going to pay for groceries for 7 on a budget of $109. And she gave now because she was grateful for all God had given her. The clerk rang the groceries and said, "I want to know more about God" That is when it hit Betty that nudge to express this act of generosity wasn't for the woman who went to the bank but for the clerk.
     The small simple acts I am challenged to do daily such as forgiving or being kind when I'd rather pummel others for their ignorance or arrogance. For instance like today, I am at the bus stop with my son, who is adopted. One of the mother's says regarding a discussion that came up about adopted children, " Well they weren't wanted by their own family." So, I explain to the woman there are many reasons children are surrendered. Really do we really not get it?? Mess with my kids and I want to rip yer head off and stuff it down your neck and I know it's not Christian like but it is honest mommy! This nut didn't fall far from the tree, yes that is my Dad's voice and you know what I like it! At least, he is honest, albeit not always correct(none of us is) but not pretencious. Love ya Dad!
     Adoption is a fact of life. Children are born out of wedlock and surrendered, they are born into poverty, they are born to parents who died during or before childbirth, they are born into homes where for one reason or another(mental illness, chronic illness, illness which will result in death) They have been born girl's when a boy was wanted. They have been the result of rape. They are being born into homes where birth control failed and Dad has been out of work for years and barely is able to feed the mouths around the table or to the mother who experiences post par tum(who in my opinion is very wise to consider adoption, if she doesn't have family support) or the drug addicted or the woman being trafficked or abused and she hopes for a better life for the child she gave birth to. Come on America and it's immigrants wake up! Just because we don't understand something doesn't give us the right to reject those involved in and with adoption stories. 
     So, here is what I think: Jesus set the example. One small act -be open, hold loosely all that's been given by God to us, and watch what he'll do. For me, I know part of my mission is to be open to women who are oppressed. Oppression takes many forms poverty, abuse, drugs, prostitution, believing lies about oneself, ignorance. Bottom line is I may want to rip someone a new one, but God has commanded me to love and forgive....I don't always want to do what he wants. I have been known to wrestle with God. It's no contest, he is bigger, he is more gracious and more everything than I will ever begin to understand. But this I know he sent us here to love NOT JUDGE! So, I withdraw from wanting to stuff this fine lady's head down her neck and step back and watch what God will do next with this small loaf.