A small copper coin

It was in these festive holidays I happend to read an article in the recent Reader Digest (Feb-2009) issue entitled "The Other Side of the Coin". It was a simple testimony of a mother about a dark brown coin given to her by an old begger woman during her hour of desperation in a foreign land where she lost all her valuables and passport to a snatch theif.

The story inevitably reminded me of the story of the poor widow who put in 2 small copper coin into the temple treasury (Mk 12:41-44). Both these women are poor and probably lived on alms given by people on a daily basis. They both would not know when their next meal is going to be and just like the old begger woman...., would stretch out her hands to anyone who walks by hoping that they will give them something.

The mother in the story - in her frastration, shouted at the old begger woman, blaming the security in her country that had caused her to be stranded without a penny.

Instead of walking away or scolding the stranger, the old begger listens to her predicament quitely and smiled. Reaching into her own pocket, she retrieve a brown coin and gave it to the stranger - a great act of CHARITY, indeed.

These women, both, in their poverty showed much charity - which indeed worthy of the praises of the Lord Jesus. I believe they are happy that they are given an opportunity to give to those less fortunate then them.

I asked myself.... do I have the same courage and charity to give, if I'm in their situation? I could not say a definate YES! I'm indeed humbled after reading the story.

I hope you are much better than me... specially in this dreary time during such a global economic crisis.

I'm guessing that there are friends, neighbours or even strangers in your surrounding who may be in dire street - would you SMILE and extend a helping hand?