Day: November 25, 2013

A Hug, A Name

Before I left church the other day, a little Sunday School kid said, “I won’t be here this Sunday. Can you give me a hug? And can you remember my name?” Suddenly I knew what Jesus felt like when he picked up children with their arms wide open, and I’m reminded that every human desire is really to be known and to be loved. It’s the heart of a kid who doesn’t want to be forgotten.

— J

Why Did I Donate Half My Salary of $10,000? Because of the Gospel

At the end of 2012, I donated half my salary to charity to fight human trafficking.  I had saved for the entire year to make one check for $10,000.

I don’t say this to brag, at all.

I say this because I’m a selfish person.  I love comfort, my shiny things, the safety of a new gadget and adding things to my wish list.  I am naturally lazy and indulgent and self-absorbed.

But I also believe in a God who humbled Himself to become one of us.  I believe in a God who paid an infinite price to set us free.  I believe in a God who wrote Himself into the story of humanity to enter our struggle, to lead us into life, and to ultimately exchange our brokenness for grace.

Because I believe in a God who has this sort of heart —

I am compelled to have the same heart for others.

The selflessness of God utterly melted my selfishness to pieces.  His grace tenderized my conceited heart.  I gave my life away because God did the same for me.

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