The Loudest Sermon

By Gina Stinson

Growing up, I had a friend who came from a large family. Becky’s dad was a part-time preacher and carpet layer. They struggled to make ends meet. It was sometime in the 1980’s when I saw my dad do something I will never forget, the kind of thing that makes you look at your parents in a different, more respectful light.

It was Christmastime. We were at church when I saw my dad walk up to Becky’s dad, say a few words in greeting, and hand him a bundle of money. It was exchanged during a handshake. I saw Becky’s dad’s eyes well up with tears and I watched two men embrace in a strong, manly way I will never forget.

What my dad did was put feet to action. He saw a need and did something about it. I also saw the response of a grown man wanting to care for his family. Seeing hope and gratitude in his eyes jumpstarted me to action. I learned you don’t have to have a lot to do a lot. My family didn’t have money to throw away. There were three kids and my uncle and my parents living in a modest home with one income, yet God placed a burden on my dad’s heart to help meet the needs of others. Other than me, I doubt anyone else besides my mom saw what happened that day at church, but it was one of the loudest sermons ever preached to me in church.

This Christmas season I’ll be looking for someone to bless. I want my eyes open just as my dad’s eyes were open to a great need. I want to be aware of someone who needs to receive a pick-me-up. Whether for a widow, someone unemployed, a stranger, or a fellow mom, I want to be a giver of good gifts. Just like my dad.

PRAYER: Open my eyes Lord. Help me see the needs around me and put feet to action. Thank You for the gift of my earthly father and the work You did in his life so he could be an example to his children.

“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again,” Luke 6:34 KJV.

Gina Stinson resides in Sulphur Springs, Texas with her family. As a minister’s wife, homeschooling mom of two and publicist assistant, she juggles her time and talents in hopes of honoring and pleasing Jesus Christ. You can learn more about Gina and her juggling at http://journalinggina.blogspot.com