Pennies from Heaven

14 January 2016, what a special day! In the midst of transition and challenges (the stuff of which life is made), I experienced the hope and promise in which I so tenaciously believe and hold. I find it amazing at how easily people forget how someone has helped them in deep and important ways. I don’t want to be that kind of person. As I walked across the parking lot near the MLK MARTA Station there before me was a penny. It looked up at me with a smiling face. It seemed to say, pick me up, take me home, don’t forget me, cherish me. Like that penny, many of us know what it feels like to be forgotten, no longer valued, expendable, and not cherished. “What’s a penny worth? Nothing!” I slowly bent down picked-up the worn penny and slipped it into my pocket. We would now trek together. At least we had each other. On the way home my iPhone chimed. A dear friend, had sent me a message, she had found a penny, and thought of me! Then, it chimed again, another dear friend told me that she had picked up a penny and prayed for me! WOW! First base, second base third base, then came the home run. Tucked safely away on the porch at home, the mail carrier had left an envelope. It was dark as I picked it up, dark outside and dark in my spirit. We’ve all felt like that. But, to my surprise a precious friend had sent me a book. Not just any book, but a book from Michigan’s Sleeping Bear Press, “Penny: The Forgotten Coin.” What a FANTASTIC story with such meaning on every page. I had never heard of this book. But, it went straight to my heart. Isn’t that just the way the Holy One works — with serendipity (which is NOT dumb luck). I had spent part of the afternoon with Sister Angela at Mercy Care (a GWC partner). We had quietly and optimistically talked of the future. We had reflected on the past. She is a Sister of Mercy. She is a prayer partner. She cares for and encourages, even a Baptist. She doesn’t limit her mercy to Catholics. I love Sister Angela. So amidst our gray skies the Holy One sends The Light. That light is often delivered by friends who become Torch Bearers and help us to be Brave Heart. Thank you special friends! I am deeply grateful for your encouragement that comes in many ways. I’m humbled that you care. Sister Angela ended our conversation by quoting Romans 8:28. “All things work together for good …” So, it’s #RunVinceRun Blessings abound. Look around. Hold forth! The day and the NIGHT belong to the Holy One. And, I do still like Bass Weejun Penny Loafers!