Freely ye have received, feely give – Matthew 10:8
I don't think I can express how much a verse means to me, especially with this year coming up. A few weeks ago a friend came to me that was down on their luck and asking for money. A little history of our friendship; we were good friends for around 5 years even through rough times. He had some really bad things happen (that he did bring upon himself), but everything remained constant between us. He lost just about everyone in his life that was of significant importance due to his actions and last month he came to me asking for a favor.
I remember when people used to ask me for favors, I would always come quick with excuses or reasons why I couldn't. He asked me for $400 which I literally only had $500 or so in my account. Without hesitation and not thinking of his previous deceitful ways to other friends, I said yes. I believed he would pay me back and I didn't doubt him which was interesting. I had a little meeting in my head to myself (which I do 99% of the time) and said, "Ashley, what if you needed money? Would anyone help you out?" Man, did I hope so..I hoped that I had those kind of friends. I let go-not worrying about consequences-or the fact that I needed $15,500 myself! Days came and went and I never got money. He ignored me, blocked me, deleted me, you name it and he did it. I started to freak out basically and then realized there was nothing I could do anymore. I prayed for him…and well, I prayed for me. I came to the conclusion it wasn't happening.
"Hot jambalaya and sweet caroline" (as some say) I got my money from his employer. Literally saved my little life and cheered me up because I'm sending that money straight to my funding. I guess the whole point was even though everyone said, "ASHLEY WE TOLD YOU NOT TO TRUST HIM!" I did, I took a risk, I let go and I had faith. Even though I was a persistent lil' bugger and probably annoyed everyone about the issue, things were resolved. I prayed about it..got a little impatient, but God sought me out and helped me. It's just remembering to have faith. You can't do it all on your own.
