I watched a video recap of the 2025 Summit by CCPL (Center for Christianity and Public Life) where our middle granddaughter is now employed, having transitioned from 9 years of working as a reporter and editor with several news organizations in D.C. covering the U.S. Congress. In the video one statement stood out to me: “Our ethics are not only to be effective, but also to be affective, to be relational.” This resonates with me. As a type A ‘doer,’ I can often get so focused on the goal, the destination, the outcome, that I overlook the miraculous daily ways of God working among people along the way.
This past week has been a reminder to engage in meaningful ways with people who cross one’s path. God has a purpose in each encounter.
My sister, a very effective and productive realtor, had knee surgery recently. I have assisted her with a few small tasks during her recovery. She had sold a garden home of an 88-year-old lady who could no longer live indepemdently and moved into assisted living. Having no spouse or children, a nephew and his wife from out of state had responsibility for closing out the home. Obviously, they needed local assistance with the functional part of moving things out of the home. Carol usually is in a position to coordinate such needs in these situations, but her post-op recovery limited greatly what she could do. She spoke to the nephew and offered Titus 2’s assistance, once he and his wife had removed personal and meaningful things they wished to retain. The remainder would be left, donated to Titus 2 to execute sale or charitable distribution of the household goods. It has been a busy week working on a deadline for the new owner to take possession. This morning the final few items, that were moved to the garage yesterday for cleaners to come in, will be removed.
The sense of satisfaction in getting this necessary task completed in a timely manner has been overshadowed by the people I’ve met and having been able to serve many. Using Facebook Marketplace’s public reach and a smaller private online group called The Art of Giving, as well as personal connections, we have been able to provide resources to a number of families, some at very affordable prices, and others totally free…… and sometimes even with delivery.
– a beautiful middle-aged grandmother who struggles with multiple sclerosis and the additional impact of having been hit in a car accident that further complicates her health and mobility. She saw a photo online of a shower chair and messaged to please purchase it. We met in the parking lot of a grocery store near her house. She said she’s been waiting over a month for insurance to order a Determination of Need (DON). She cannot stand in the shower any longer and is having some very hard days. When I transferred the like-new free chair to her vehicle, she was overcome with gratitude to God. We stood leaning against the car as she shared her story, talked about her young grandchildren who motivate her to persevere, and of our shared joy in knowing Christ and having a kingdom-life faith in God. We cried a bit, laughed a bit, and prayed together….. all over a shower chair.
– a minister came to purchase a like-new commode chair for a family member. She paid a modest amount for it and we connected over shared ministry pursuits. She saw a twin bed I was offering for free. Her son had been needing one for his young son. I gave her all the bedding for it, as well. Her son came soon after to pick up the bed. He is a godly young father and husband who is not ashamed of the Lord. He left also with the gift of a smart TV. He exclaimed God’s goodness at the unexpected blessing as he’d been looking for a TV for his family. More stories, more prayers.
-an elderly couple arrived to buy for $15 a sturdy wood and metal railed step for easier access through an entrance doorway. She also received an older free bed side commode and a free assistive device to put socks on without bending over, never opened, in the bag. She said, “I knew just talking on the phone that you’re a Christian. Spirit knows Spirit.” She said she’d always been a giver and no one had given to her. I told her this was the day of God’s favor for her. A few tears, hugs, and prayer and celebration with joy over how God provides through a miraculous kingdom economy you have to experience to understand.
– a 35-ish young woman who works with a youth non-profit came looking for accessories for her house as she is “starting her life over.” She left with a hassock, a wall mirror, and a small lamp all within her budget….And a new older friend on Facebook! 😋
There are more stories of God providing just what someone needed and of a few things that just brought delight for a child or an adult because of its meaning to them.
This is affectiveness as a a holy adjunct to effectiveness. This is God working through a woman’s determination to leave her home’s treasures for others’ good, of a faithful nephew whose generosity trusted a stranger to take charge of his responsibility for his aunt’s and others’ gain in the process, of a realtor who goes above and beyond to serve families’ needs, her husband who has been my willing helper in moving furniture, and my own obedience to God in knowing He’s given me strength, knowledge, time, and willingness to serve the Kingdom in sometimes offbeat and unexpected ways.” CBB 11/19/25
Experiencing God’s BEST daily,
Cathy
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