The other day we received a small envelope in the mail addressed to Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas. As we periodically get donations and questions from good hearted and patriotic citizens, we were thankful, but did not see it as unusual. It was placed in a stack with other mail to be opened when time permitted.
Later, when Nancy picked up the stack of mail, the small gray envelope fell out onto the table. She picked it up, noticing the lack of a return address, and opened it. After pulling out the contents, she stared at them for a moment, then, with tears in her eyes, handed them to me. I looked at them, and was instantly reminded of the reasons we do this, and of the great blessings that God has bestowed on all of us.
In the envelope was a card and two 1$ (one dollar) bills! Written on the card, in the halting handwriting I recognized as being a result of many years of life experiences:
“ Thanks for helping our troops. On a limited budget this is all I can send at this time. May God bless you.”
It was signed simply “T.B.”
The imagery this simple deed evoked in Nancy and myself, of a senior living on a limited fixed income where every cent is precious, because it may be the difference in missing a meal or buying needed medication, was indeed thought provoking. I am reminded of the lesson verses in the bible that hold such power that they are repeated twice in different books. Mark 12:41-44 and Luke 21:1-4.
Too often we are so busy with our lives that we forget how truly blessed we are. We carve out and give a small part of our time, energy, and money to bless others. This is tremendous because so many others give nothing.
We have been truly blessed to receive much in donations. Up to $5000 from one corporation and a charitable foundation, and a $15,000 single gift from a conscientious family. This has allowed us to bless and support many more of the heroes who stand ready to defend us with their lives.
So, Thank You, T.B. in Irving, Texas for the tremendous fortune that your contribution is to us. And for reminding us that we cannot do anything for God that we are not willing to do for one another.
Freedom Doesn’t Come Free.
Later, when Nancy picked up the stack of mail, the small gray envelope fell out onto the table. She picked it up, noticing the lack of a return address, and opened it. After pulling out the contents, she stared at them for a moment, then, with tears in her eyes, handed them to me. I looked at them, and was instantly reminded of the reasons we do this, and of the great blessings that God has bestowed on all of us.
In the envelope was a card and two 1$ (one dollar) bills! Written on the card, in the halting handwriting I recognized as being a result of many years of life experiences:
“ Thanks for helping our troops. On a limited budget this is all I can send at this time. May God bless you.”
It was signed simply “T.B.”
The imagery this simple deed evoked in Nancy and myself, of a senior living on a limited fixed income where every cent is precious, because it may be the difference in missing a meal or buying needed medication, was indeed thought provoking. I am reminded of the lesson verses in the bible that hold such power that they are repeated twice in different books. Mark 12:41-44 and Luke 21:1-4.
Too often we are so busy with our lives that we forget how truly blessed we are. We carve out and give a small part of our time, energy, and money to bless others. This is tremendous because so many others give nothing.
We have been truly blessed to receive much in donations. Up to $5000 from one corporation and a charitable foundation, and a $15,000 single gift from a conscientious family. This has allowed us to bless and support many more of the heroes who stand ready to defend us with their lives.
So, Thank You, T.B. in Irving, Texas for the tremendous fortune that your contribution is to us. And for reminding us that we cannot do anything for God that we are not willing to do for one another.
Freedom Doesn’t Come Free.
Frank Carter
