This New Year, who have you resolved to bless?
Yes, resolved. Because resolve carries with it a certain quiet determination, an unwavering commitment. Many a time, we start the new year with some faint idea of wanting to do good. But when the routine of studies or work start to take over, and one’s flesh thirsts for a weekend getaway more than choosing to bless another community, this faint idea evaporates, becoming no more than a scent in the air.
This New Year, I was extremely moved by the courage, faith and resolve of a little eight-year old girl named Faith.
Her mother, a wonderful lady who had been a stranger-turned-friend just when she was conceived, has been a blessing to me over many years. On the evening of New Year’s Day, I received an excited text message from her, followed by an email the next day. She explained that a blog entry on Smokey Mountain some time back had inspired Faith to do something special on New Year’s Day itself.
Hi Wai Jia
I was really amazed to hear from you yesterday, as your blog entry on your visit to Smokey Mountain had inspired Faith to do something special yesterday.
Faith celebrated her birthday yesterday. In her invitation card to her friends, she had requested for them to consider bringing a donation for needy children in the Philippines instead of getting her a gift. Faith would like to pass the amount collected at her party yesterday to you (to be used for the benefit of the people of Smokey Mountain).
Thanks for being a great role model and an inspiration even to young children like Faith. May God continue to bless you, Cliff and your ministry to the needy.
Attached is Faith’s letter to you and some photos.
God bless,
M
Faith’s beautifully hand-written letter
Faith’s birthday invite (Location and contact deleted)
In our world of want and surfeit, Faith emerges like a gemstone in the darkness.
I had goosebumps just thinking about her compassion, generosity and most of all, resolve, at such a tender age. After all, who would ever hold it against an eight-year old for wanting toys and presents for her birthday!
When I celebrated my 24th, and asked for donations for my trip to Mozambique instead of presents, I was TWENTY-FOUR. But Faith’s eight-year old spirit pierced my spirit deeply. At the last moment, she could have whined, backed out, grumbled. But certainly, it must take a child incredible resolve not to change her mind about receiving presents for her birthday.
Many children these days act as if owning i-pads and i-phones are their entitlement. Faith, on the other hand, overturned this right-to-have as a responsibility to give.
For a being the eight-year old child with the BIGGEST heart I know, I salute you, Faith.
Today, 5th January 2014, is your actual birthday,
and I would like to wish you a VERY Happy 8th Birthday.
You are a very, very Special girl.
Thank YOU for inspiring all of us.