One of the most incredible acts of generosity I received was the unconditional acceptance, love, and service from one of my elementary teachers. You see, as a child, I was brought up in a broken home, in poverty, and with minimal resources. I had an undetected learning disability, was mocked by peers, and labeled by other educators. Still, this teacher saw what others did not see: Christ in me, and he quickly advocated, met my needs, and was instrumental in putting me on a path to self-realization through education. Dr. Jessica Vera, Founder, Chief Executive Officer, Elite Foundation The most generous thing that ever happened to me is when I came to the realization that Yeshua (Jesus) shed His blood and died for me, and all my sins were forgiven and forgotten, and I was given a clean slate and a brand new life and future through His Holy Spirit. No amount of money or treasure could ever top that! Joe Vitkus, Senior Rabbi, Temple Aron HaKodesh The most generous would have to be my parents... but that seems low hanging fruit. I'd have to say it was when Curtis Copeland was open handed and helped me on a shoot which had a pivotal role in launching me toward my photography career. Not only did he take time to lend crucial gear to a young adult he barely knew, but he also taught me how to use it and why it was to be used in such a way. Justus Martin, Photographer, Justus Martin Photo The most generous thing that's ever happened to me is the gift of undeserved, unmerited salvation through Jesus Christ. Despite my flaws, failings and the weight of my own sins, God reached down with boundless love and grace, offering me forgiveness and new life. I did nothing to earn it — there's no deed, no level of goodness I could ever achieve to be worthy of His sacrifice. Yet, in His incredible mercy, He saved me, restoring me to a relationship with Him that I could never have obtained on my own. This overwhelming gift of grace is the most profound generosity I have ever known, and it continues to transform me daily. Ken Kerrigan, Pastor, Calvary Chapel Pompano Beach For me, it's the Lord putting people in my path that I may show His generosity and love to them! Larry Lacy, Pastor, The Answer Church That Jesus loved me so much that He died for my sins and offered me the amazingly generous gift of eternal life with Him. I’m also so thankful that I can walk with Him every day through all the twists and turns life brings. I’d be lost without Him! Laura C. Bishop, Executive Vice President of Development, Palm Beach Atlantic University When I reflect on the most generous thing that’s happened to me, I realize that it’s not tied to one single grand gesture, but rather to the ongoing, everyday acts of kindness I have received from the people around me — friends, family and even strangers. It’s often about showing up for people, offering a listening ear, or doing something kind without expecting anything in return. These everyday moments have shaped the way I approach others, and I try to pay that generosity forward in my own life whenever I can. Dr. Mary Drabick, President, South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary When I was a young father with a wife and 5 children, I lost my job and was unable to pay my rent for the better part of a year. My landlord, Greg, was a Christian and he told me not to worry about it. I could pay him back when things improved. With such a large family, coming up with thousands of dollars was unlikely, and I think Greg knew that. Several years went by and I received an inheritance. I was able to track Greg down and I sent him a check for the very past-due rent. In typical Greg fashion, he contacted me and thanked me for being faithful. A week or so later the check was returned to me uncashed! The money was definitely most generous but even more so was the lesson Greg taught me about practicing generosity in my life. Merry Christmas! Mike McDermott, PA, Seniors Real Estate Specialist, The Keyes Company I’ve been blessed in so many ways and throughout many seasons of my life. It’s difficult to list just one of those generous moments. But if I must, the most generous gift was from my father who was committed to sending all his three sons to college. I attended Washington University in St. Louis, which was not and is not, a cheap school. Even after my scholarships, my grants, and a student loan, the bill was huge. He paid the balance and when I graduated, he paid off my student loan. A very generous gift from a very generous father! Milan Stefanovic, Chief Operations & Personal Lines Officer, Bass Underwriters Wants to Know… Fidel Gomez Fred Scarbrough Gregg Wallick Helen Wayner Jesse Carroccio Dr. Jessica Vera Joe Vitkus Justus Martin Ken Kerrigan Larry Lacy Laura C. Bishop Dr. Mary Drabik
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