God Cares!

This is a writing sample from Scripted writer Tracy Ruckman

God cares Published in PURPOSE Magazine November 2008

By Tracy Ruckman

 

The holidays were upon us. I was a newly single parent of two very young children, working two jobs, trying to make ends meet. It was an almost impossible task. I wasn't sure how I would keep our lights on, buy groceries and formula, and manage to buy gifts for my family.

On the Sunday before Thanksgiving, our community holds a community-wide worship service. I dreaded going because I knew an offering would be taken for the food pantry and I had nothing to give.

But I went anyway.

As I was taking the boys to the nursery, I noticed posters plastered along all the walls, proclaiming that Thanksgiving is a time of giving not only thanks, but also of giving money to help others less fortunate. I struggled within as I found a place to sit.

I couldn't sit still. I began "squirming" inside, knowing I would probably sit through a service of pointing fingers, telling me I should give more.

About halfway through the service, I bowed my head and prayed, "God, you know I don't have anything to give. I'm sorry, but it's impossible this year. You know that. What do you want me to do?"

Very clearly, I heard, "Give me the change in the bottom of your purse."

What? There couldn't be much in there!

Again, I heard, "Give me the change in the bottom of your purse."

Whoever heard of adults putting pennies in the offering plate? But the message was clear and insistent. I must obey.

As the offering plate made its journey, I dug into the bottom of my purse. (At that time, I carried a "suitcase" for all the kids' toys, diapers, bottles, etc.) I was too embarrassed to count it because I knew there were very few silver coins, but I plucked the coins out and almost filled up my small hand.

When the offering plate arrived, I looked at it in horror. It was a pewter plate, with no velvet-lined bottom. Everyone would hear me put the coins in as my offering.

Quickly, I placed my hand over the bills already stacked in there, and released the coins, embarrassed at the slight tinkle they produced. I bowed my head in shame and fought back the tears. It was all I had.

I got through the service without hearing another word-the roaring in my ears of shame and embarrassment kept me from hearing another word.

That day, part of my prayer had been "it's impossible."

But I soon learned that God hears our prayers, and cares about us. With God, nothing is impossible.

The very next day I walked to the mailbox, hoping for a congratulations letter from Publishers Clearinghouse.

Instead, I received a letter from a Christian magazine.

The previous year, I sent a letter to the editor after subscribing, telling them how much I enjoyed the magazine. The letter from them this day contained an apology. It said they appreciated my letter and had decided to use it as an article instead of a letter. Before they could notify me, my letter had been lost in the "slush pile." One year later, the week prior to Thanksgiving, they found it again!

They apologized again before closing the letter, telling me a check would be forthcoming.

Letters to the editor did not receive a payment, but articles did!

They paid me for writing a letter!

That letter had not been "lost."

God waited until I needed it, and then used it to show how much he loves us and cares for us.

 

Written by:

Tracy Ruckman
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Tracy Ruckman is a freelance writer, specializing in self-publishing, writing, travel, destinations, food, and screenwriting. Her writing credits include books and hundreds of articles in newspapers, magazines, and online markets. She is one project away from completing her MFA in Screenwriting.
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