Sunday, July 19, 2009

Sunday Sermon

Charity

Yesterday I had the chance to see Charity in action once again. We were at a parade and a family was bringing "Grandma" to watch. It was hot and we had almost an hour to wait for any floats or bands to march by. When others saw the struggle this family was having getting Grandma where she needed to be in order to be shaded and comfortable, several people jumped in and lent a helping hand.

During a time in my life when things were difficult, I had a family and friends step in and help in ways I couldn't imagine. These people saw my need and proceeded to help without being asked and really without knowing the story of what was going on. One Relief Society President (the leader of the women's organization in church), gave me an incredible gift of charity. I still am amazed to this day that she knew exactly what was needed in my home and how to get things there.


I swore during that time that someday when I had the means and opportunity to return that amazing gift of charity that I would let nothing stand in my way.

1 Corinthians 13

1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.

Having Charity for others is so easy for some but receiving Charity is hard for me. Maybe I am too proud and feel like I can do it all myself but accepting love and help from other really is a great gift. I owe much to my family and friends for watching over and taking care of me during the difficult times in life.

Have a Beautiful Sunday!

8 comments:

Unknown said...

Oh, I love this. Love it so much. What a wonderful post. A great reminder. A true blessing to read this evening! Thank you for sharing. What if we all lived spreading charity and love. Wouldn't the world be a better place?

pan x 8 said...

We talked about this in Relief Society and discussed how we women sometimes feel like we can just do it on our own and won't ask for help.

I have learned to ask for help when needed because not only does it bless my life but blesses those that do lend their helping hands!

Tulsi said...

It is difficult for so many (me) to receive charity. For one thing, the name. It has a negative tone to it because of how mankind has labeled it. We had a lesson charity and the label man gave it. It is easy to give, if your head isn't in the sand. But it is hard to receive your self. When I was having a difficult pregnancy my ward helped my husband. I had to remember to let them so they could receive their blessings.

Tulsi said...

It is difficult for so many (me) to receive charity. For one thing, the name. It has a negative tone to it because of how mankind has labeled it. We had a lesson charity and the label man gave it. It is easy to give, if your head isn't in the sand. But it is hard to receive your self. When I was having a difficult pregnancy my ward helped my husband. I had to remember to let them so they could receive their blessings.

Melissa B. said...

What a lovely post! This could have been our family dozens of times as my Mom got older. Unfortunately, I've also seen the flip side of this...people getting upset and put out by an old lady and her slowness...

Leslie said...

We must "give" when we can. And must learn to "accept" when we need. The circle of humanity. Lovely post to remind all of us of this simple message.

Xazmin said...

Thank you for this message. It was really beautiful. The Relief Society is such an amazing organization of charity. I wish all women could hav the opportunity to be part of such an amazing program.

Tracy P. said...

Oh Marrdy, that is beautiful! I had a time like that in my life, and I always say it's when I learned why God loves a cheerful giver. It's no fun to be on the receiving end, yet it's the greatest lesson in humility ever, and you're just so grateful that you would pay it forward any day. Well said!