Freely Speaking with Laura

I know exactly how she felt. She had lost so much. Her husband. Her position. Her future. Now she came to the temple. Others who gathered gave gifts that would make a genuine difference. The widow’s mite held little ability to help. Even though her gift felt insignificant, it probably scared her. She had nothing more. No money for food. No money to survive on. She gave amid loss, facing an uncertain future. She gave out of love for her Father, trusting Him with her present and future.

I have a confession to make. I know it shouldn’t be, but giving is hard sometimes. My losses were different but also similar. We have lived in abundance and lost it all. We have not known where to get food for our children’s next meal. I felt heat in my gut when my children accidentally spilled or wasted anything. I cringed at every noise our failing vehicle made. We lived without heat, without air-conditioning. We were behind on everything. We worked insane hours, but it was never enough because everything kept breaking and dying. Our fight to survive lasted years, leaving me continually battling anxiety. We tithed, but now a cause we believed in asked for money. We trusted God even though our circumstances screamed, “NO!” We were embarrassed by the insignificance of our gift, but for us, it was costly. It hurt.

Maybe you’re living there too. You need to know that our loving, generous God was always with us in our struggles. He always provided. Our vehicle, which should have died much sooner, lived an inexplicably long time. When we had no heat, the weather was unseasonably warm. Without insurance, we were suddenly healthier. It embarrassed us, but our children were given clothing and shoes. Groceries were left on our porch. Every need was met, not how I wanted, but met.

Don’t be ashamed to give small. Don’t be afraid to share from your lack. Your Father loves you and will be there for you. Will you trust Him now and for your future?