"Maybe You Should Head to the Store Instead of Waiting for Handouts. We Don't Do Takeaways Here! Stop Begging!"

“Maybe You Should Head to the Store Instead of Waiting for Handouts. We Don’t Do Takeaways Here! Stop Begging!”

One of our mutual friends, Daniel, took the biblical phrase “Ask, and it shall be given unto you” to a whole new level. He requested something sweet from the holiday dinner “for his family waiting at home for the cake I’m bringing!” The pie, which was the last to grace the table, was merely a part of his “begging program.” Before the hostess, Jennifer, had even cleared the dishes, Daniel had made his move.

Mom Asked Us to Help Pay Her Heating Bills, But We Soon Discovered Where Our Aid Really Went

Mom Asked Us to Help Pay Her Heating Bills, But We Soon Discovered Where Our Aid Really Went

In late August, my mom called me, asking if my husband, James, and I could help her with her heating bills for the upcoming winter. She’s been living alone in a small town since my dad passed away. I have a sister, Rebecca, who lives in our city, not too far from us. I assumed mom had also reached out to Rebecca for help. Little did we know, our efforts to keep her warm through the winter would uncover a truth that would change our family forever.

The Neighbor's Old Grill and a Lesson in Generosity

The Neighbor’s Old Grill and a Lesson in Generosity

After eyeing my neighbor’s old grill, I hoped to acquire it for a few backyard barbecues. Despite my hints, my neighbor, John, firmly refused, citing the old adage, “A penny saved is a penny earned.” The following day brought an unexpected turn of events that left me reflecting on the value of generosity and the cost of missed opportunities.

The Parable of Reverence Lost

The Parable of Reverence Lost

In a small American town, Father Jackson, a young priest, was known for his devout services at the local church, attended by the town’s influential figures, including the mayor. The mayor, Lucas, was deeply religious and made it a point to never miss a service. However, an incident involving a gesture of respect would soon test the community’s faith and reveal the fragile nature of reverence.