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Listen while you read: "All Things Bright And Beautiful"1 (Lyrics) |
Sisters Tatyana, Anna, and their mother Anna are Ukrainian immigrants who, along with their families, have lived in my neighbourhood for the past 20 years. These families attend a local American church, and the ladies say that their American friends love the Ukrainian soups that they bring to their weekly church potluck.
Nextdoor is a social network app that serves as a platform for neighbours to report on local news and events. I was intrigued by one posting that I noticed a couple of weeks after our coronavirus "Stay Home — Stay Healthy" policy was initiated.
In this posting, Mom Anna and her daughters Tatyana and Anna introduced themselves, offering to deliver homemade Ukrainian soup to anyone in need in our neighbourhood during this time of crisis. They made it clear that their motivation for this generous offer was their love for Jesus. They said that it was also their way of showing their gratitude for the blessings that they have received since coming to the USA years ago with nothing in their pockets. Because so many people are out of work right now, I know that this practical offer of help must be a godsend for some in my community.
Matthew 25:37-40 – Then these righteous ones will reply, "Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?" And the King will say, "I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!" (NLT)
I am not in true need because God has so graciously provided for me. Nonetheless, I love trying various ethnic foods, so I hesitantly asked if I could request some soup in exchange for some homemade cookies. I enjoyed homemade borsch for the next couple of days — and Taty said that their children loved the brownies!
As this Ukrainian family's offer has continued, I can see that neighbours have taken notice of their kindness and generosity, and their delivery list is growing. What a shining testimony this is for the love of Christ to our world! My light for Jesus may be a little glowing ember on my street, but Taty, Anna, and Mom Anna's light is a blazing bonfire on the hilltop!
Matthew 5:16 – In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (NIV)
Prayer: Dear gracious Father, thank You for Your provision of our daily needs. Please provide for those in need during this time of worldwide trouble, and give to those of us who love You generous and grateful hearts for Your care for us. Amen.
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Thank you.
Wonderful story, Gail.
Thank you, Gail for this inspiring example.
Thank you for sharing. Great scripture support.
LOVE stories like this! Jewels in the darkness! Thank you.
What an inspiring story! Many thanks!!
Blessings.
I say Amen to this devotional Gail.
Thanks for sharing. God bless.
Thank you for sharing this devotional with us. It brought back many a cherished memory. Blessings.
Good morning Gail. Thank you for today’s devotional message… a life real story, told really nicely and packed with a really strong message. Again thank you.
Hi Gail,
Your story, “The Face of Jesus” is a very touching story! Thanks so much for sharing it.
Amen Gail. It’s so good to hear something positive and encouraging during these trying times. Thanks for sharing this. Blessings to you and those you love and stay safe.
Dear Gail,
Thank you, Gail, for a timely and practical devotional.
The people you write about are showing God’s love in a practical, and memorable manner.
Thanks for writing about their goodness.
“I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!” That is the passage my mother took to heart compelling her to give up precious hours of sleep to wash, mend, polish, and otherwise make donated clothing and shoes into suitable gifts for those in need. I’m sure these words greeted her as Jesus Himself escorted her into heaven. Blessings.
Greetings Gail,
Thanks for another very mindful devotional and sharing the story about the generous actions of a special family in your neighbourhood. What a special thing they are doing during this time and how it truly shows the love of Jesus through their actions. Blessings to them and blessings to you for your insightful writings.
(B.C.)
Dear Gail,
Thank you so much for sharing this, using your skill with words.
A humbling story for me.
I will be changing my prayer from “Father, how can I be of help to others?” to Heavenly Father, what “soup” would you have me serve, and to whom, in Your Name?”
God’s Kindness to you, Gail.
You are a blessing from God to this website.
O Gail! How deep is this understanding and strength today! I too have often seen the truth of this scripture when responding to this one and that one whom I meet in a day’s duties. Actually, I have often been caused to think of these particular words: “Is THIS an angel?” has occurred to me more than once as I dig around in my purse and around in my mind for words of encouragement. I believe I have been led to angels throughout my life. Another opportunity to ‘know, even as we are known,’ when I reach heaven with my list of questions. Love the ‘brownies-soup exchange,’ in your devotional. Naming the specific makes it so very real.