My first Christmas as a single mom, I had little money for Christmas gifts for my young children. Though my bills were paid and my children cared for; I had little extra to offer for extras as such. I remember feeling stressed about it all. Yet, I did not want to ask for help. After all, my kids were loved and cared for and that was what was most important. Yet, I still wanted to give them gifts. For they had always received gifts from me on Christmas and I did not want that to change. For they had already been through much, processing our new family dynamic. 

I still remember the day that God had answered that prayer inside of my heart. I was working as a cosmetologist at the time and I was gifted a very generous tip. For some reason, I do not know who that man was. I just remember what he did.

In his kindness and generosity before he left the salon; he had placed money in my hand and told me not to look, until after he had left.  After he was gone, I looked into my hand and he had gifted me a $100 bill! This was exactly what I needed to give my children a wonderful Christmas. 

I went to a store where the toys are inexpensive and I bought my children their gifts. I remember afterword excitedly going to my cousin’s house and showing her all the neat things I had found them. All from the kindness and generosity of that client. I remember her being excited for me. Which further added to the hope that had been renewed, for a special Christmas. 

My children were young and very grateful; they did not care how fancy the toys were. They were just so grateful to be given something fun to play with, to add to their favorite box of toys.

I won’t ever forget that Christmas. It was humble, but special. This stranger’s generosity gave my boys the Christmas, I so very wanted them to have. I know God had His hand in it all. 

Friend, if God puts it in your heart to help someone, please don’t hesitate. You may never know completely the difference you made, but trust me; if God puts it into your heart to help, you won’t regret it! In turn, the one in which you help, won’t forget it! 

Erin Fitts-Brower 

Proverbs 11:24-25 NIV

One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.