Miracles just happen…or do they?
My husband and I have a consistent joke. That means that by year four of said “joke,” it elicits a tepid chuckle. Our joke is about things around town being “game changers.”
While we have found humor in this, as you no doubt know dear readers, real game changers are no joke. They shift perspective, bring excitement, and usually make a positive difference.
So, you can only imagine the elation when a transformative gift was recently given to Spelman College. A $100 million game changing donation. It is the largest single gift ever given to a historically Black college or university (HBCU).
The donation came from a couple who have great wealth – the billionaire and Spelman Trustee Ronda Stryker and her spouse, William Johnston.
When asked by Gayle King on the CBS Mornings program, why Stryker and Johnston gave such a gift to Spelman, Spelman President Dr. Helene Gayle responded:
She [Stryker] has seen how these girls’ lives are transformed.
She has seen the transformative power
of what it means to be in a place that believes in you.
Believes in all of you and
allows you to be your whole authentic self.
In the best of all worlds, this is what people should be saying about our churches. Our places of worship, our institutions, with all their many faults, should be and – more often than not are – places of transformation.
Spelman College knows that they are a college that changes lives. They are not afraid to tell that story. To show the difference. To proudly proclaim why an investment in their mission is critical.
Can you, will you, say this about your beloved place of worship?
Don’t be fooled.
While the Spelman donation might seem like a “miracle” gift, it is not.
- The need was evident.
- The impact of the gift was made clear.
- It was carefully nurtured over the years.
You, as a person of faith, can add that to that list:
Generosity is rooted in being a spiritual decision and discipline.
Use the game changing and transformational gift at Spelman College to inspire, energize, and challenge you to:
Tell the story of changed lives.
Make the need clear.
Know who you are.
Invite the Spirit to be part of the journey.
Ask.
And maybe, just maybe, that “miracle” gift will come your way. I’m praying it will.
photo credit: birgl@pixabay.com
Cesie Delve Scheuermann (pronounced “CC Delv Sherman,” yes, really) is a Stewardship Consultant for the OR-ID Annual Conference. She is also a Senior Ministry Strategist with Horizons Stewardship. For 25 years, while working as a volunteer and part-time consultant, she has helped raise over three million dollars for numerous churches and non-profit organizations. She thinks jokes are good for the soul: What did one angel say to another angel? “Halo.” Cesie wishes you a good day.
You can reach Cesie at inspiringgenerosity@gmail.com, at CesieScheuermann.com, or at cesieds@horizons.net. Want to schedule a meeting? She’s got you covered!
Schedule a meeting now.
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