It was more than just a $5 bill. You see, Germain, a 12 year old boy from Rwanda starting his life over here in America, has faced a lot of tough challenges with his family. In school yesterday, he won a $5 bill for being the only student to get a tricky math question correct. He’s a 3 day new student, might I add. Germain was carrying around the $5 bill at dinner and he must have dropped it on the floor. (I took he and his siblings for mexi food after haircuts).

A little boy about 8 years old saw the $5 bill on floor under Germains chair. He came over and told Germain his $ was on the floor. What happened Next truly surprised me and warmed my heart. Germain said thank you to the boy who told him his money was on the floor then turned and smiled. Without a minute going by, Germain looked as though he were communicating within himself and said, I must now give this to the boy. He got up and walked over to the boy and gave the money to the little boy. His mom and the boy were so surprised and the parent of the other boy didn’t want to have to take it, but Germain insisted. He said, you must have it, you were honest and I so thank you.

My heart and spirit was sooo moved by young Germain’s heart and actions that I wanted to cry. I knew how much that $5 meant to Germain and how much his family can often struggle financially so this was a really big thing to do for Germain. I hugged him and said I’m so proud of you. His siblings were questioning him, “why did you do that,” and he said with tears in his eyes, “the spirit inside me told me to, it was easy, I knew I had to.” I really teared up! So, the spirit inside of me told me to give Germain a crisp $20 bill! You should have seen his little face – not happy but crying! All the teens and kids at the table were awestruck and teary eyed. What a lesson we all learned!!

The lessons are many as I give effortlessly of myself to help the children, teens and adults that are new to Memphis. It’s a gift for me to be a part of it all. I am sharing this with you as just one story of so so many that I could share about just one client, but if you know me, I have suitcases full of stories in my heart that I could share with you. They are all lessons to me and the training I believe God wants for me to have in this world to become more humble, more patient, more caring, more giving, more forgiving, more friendly, more strengthened, more lovely and even more welcoming. It is more of a blessing to give than it is to receive. Serve with us, welcome a sojourner…you won’t regret it.

“ And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.” -Ezekiel 36:27

“ For I am full of words, and the spirit within me compels me;” -Job 32:18

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” -John 14:26

“ And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” -Acts 20:35

“ But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” -Galatians 5:22-23