Friday, September 7, 2012

"Honesty, Sincerity, Just Like it Used to be . . ."

Luke 6:31
Do to others as you would have them do to you.

My friend, Ginger, is one devoted daughter.  When it becomes obvious that her mother's Alzheimer's condition is snowballing, Ginger chooses to live with her and be her primary caregiver.

Not an easy job.  Not by a long shot.  For as the months roll on, Ginger witnesses a plethora of erratic behaviors, one of which is her mother's obsession with hiding things.  And, because of her illness, she cannot recall where the object is.  Causing Ginger no end of frustration, especially when her mom's Visa card goes missing.

Sadly, Ginger's mother's condition deteriorates to the point where professional help is the only alternative.  Ginger and her siblings reluctantly, but realistically, decide their mom needs to be in a nursing facility where the staff knows exactly how to deal with Alzheimer patients.

It is shortly after her mom is settled at her new home when Ginger remembers the lost Visa card.  She scours the house.  Looking in this drawer and that.  Combing the cabinets and closets.  Even lifting her mother's mattress thinking she may have stashed it there.

All to no avail . . .

Fast forward one month.  Ginger is hosting a moving sale, trying to empty her mom's house of as much furniture as possible before listing it on the market.  She is inundated by crowds, all seeking a bargain.

And, in the confusion, Ginger realizes long after it and the pilferer have vanished, that a bottle of Chambord is missing from her wine table.

"I can't believe this!"  she mutters to herself.  "How could someone dare to take something without paying for it?  What's wrong with people these days?"

But, she doesn't have time to dwell on it.

A man and his 19-year-old son approach her, interested in purchasing the bedroom set for the son's new apartment.  Ginger is thrilled to say the least.

As the two work to disassemble the bed frame, she pops her head around the corner, "Do you have a television for your new place?"

"No, ma'am," says the son.

"I know it's not the latest model, but you're welcome to have the one on the dresser for $10.

"We'll take it," the father grins, and heads out the door carrying the headboard to his truck.

Ginger retreats to deal with other buyers.  She makes a few more sales and is just turning around to greet another couple when there's a voice behind her.

"Excuse me, ma'am, but is this yours?  I found it under the T.V. when I was lifting it."

She whirls around.  There, standing in front of her, is the 19-year-old.  And, in his hand is the missing Visa card.

"Oh, my!"  Ginger exclaims.  "I've been looking everywhere for that!  I'm so happy you found it.  Thank you so much!"

How easy it would have been for this young man, whose father is busy loading the truck, to have pocketed this charge card with its $7,000 credit limit.  Instead, he chooses to do the right thing.

"Martha," Ginger says, "when that boy handed me the card, it absolutely restored my faith in humanity.  His parents surely raised him well.  What a blessing it was to see a young person with such honesty."

Amen, Ginger.  Amen!
~
Have you ever been blessed by an experience like Ginger's?

Will you join me in prayer?
We pray, Father, that we always follow Jesus' commandment to do to others as we would have them do to us.  Keep our hearts clean and our intentions honest toward friend and stranger alike.  May our words and actions ever be testimonies to Your great love and mercy.  Amen.


35 comments:

  1. Wow...that boy surely had his upbringing right. He knew what had to be done and when. This is the most important thing. to get the right behaviour at the right time, right place and in front of the right person.

    I had met a Taxiwalla once who was so protective about me, he would even let me wait outside the hotel till he came. He would ask me to stay in my room till he called for me from reception. It is not safe you see for young girls to be on road like this.. he told me.:o)

    It really touched me as I barely knew him and I was there for 2 days!!

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by, Me!
      Oh, what a marvelous experience you have shared here! Indeed, such chivalry is difficult to come by these days. How wonderful that the Taxiwalla showed the right behavior at the right time for the right person! :)
      Blessings to you!

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  2. It is a wonderful feeling when we experience something like this. I wish it occurred more often these days than it does. That boy will go far in life, and on his own accord ☺

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    1. Thanks so much for visiting, Mary!
      Yes, I agree - this boy will go far in life and be an inspiration for others to show the same honesty in their dealings. Wish there were more like him!
      Blessings always!

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  3. Wow! It's hard to believe that in this day and age he actually returned the card. I think I'd do the same, but not many people would. That's what's wrong with the society these days; there's a serious lack of honesty. It's difficult to find someone with a clear conscience.

    Cheers, Martha!

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    1. Thanks for dropping by, Dave, and welcome!
      Yes, there is a serious lack of honesty in today's society, to note, the person who took Ginger's Chambord when she wasn't looking. Integrity is such an important virtue and one all of us should practice.
      Blessings to you!

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  4. Good morning! Martha your scripture just happened to be my morning scripture today. I love when that happens.
    This story was beautiful and well written. I've found that when I've lost something and searched everywhere to no avail, I have to step back and let it come to me. It usually does;) I like to say that God knows where everything is.
    Sending love!

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    1. Thanks so much for visiting, Leah!
      What a "God-incidence" that your scripture matched! It IS wonderful when that happens. :)
      And, what a great reminder - God knows where everything is. The next time I'm missing something, I'll remember this.
      Love and blessings to you!

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  5. I was visiting with a lady in a nursing home yesterday who really wants to die. In addition to all her family troubles (and she has many), she moaned, "This just isn't America anymore."

    I know it was a loaded statement, and, frankly, dripping with politics, but she was also remembering a time when honesty was the norm and dishonesty was the interruption.

    Thanks for reminding us of the hope we have that maybe somebody still gets it.

    Have a blessed weekend.

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    1. Great to see you here, Andy; thanks for stopping in!
      "Honesty was the norm and dishonesty was the interruption" - just love this line and it is oh, so true. Times have definitely changed, and not for the better. But, like you, I hold out hope when I think of the young man in the story.
      Blessings to you!

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  6. We recently had a similar incident in our country. I truly laud that simple person ~ http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/263974/naia-2-janitor-returns-bag-with-over-p600k-in-cash-other-valuables

    Amidst all the 'not-so-good' news that we have around the world, something like this refreshes the soul...

    Honesty, sincerity, integrity, authenticity ~ these are values that need to be learned again...

    I was reflecting on your post yesterday, the other thing that struck me was Alzheimer's. I could understand Ginger's mom... I was able to take care of a patient with Alzheimer's and the condition deteriorates day by day. I remember that we spend thirty minutes in orienting her of her name, the day, time and schedules and recalling her family members and significant memories.

    I pray with you... for Ginger, her mom, and those angels...may they always be blessed with love and protection.And may God purify our thoughts and intentions.

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    1. Thanks so much, as always, Melissa, for stopping by!
      Yes, with all the negative and evil things happening in our world, it IS so important to share acts of goodness and kindness with one another.
      And, because of your own experience, I'm glad you could identify with Ginger's mom and with the difficult time poor Ginger had in trying to help her day after day. It was a long struggle for the both of them.
      Thank you for your prayers, my dear. We know they are heard! :)
      Blessings always, my friend!

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    2. Melissa...thank you so much for your kind words and prayers!

      Martha - thank you for posting and your friendship and prayers!

      -Ginger-

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  7. Yes, that is a son to make his father proud. I left my purse in a shopping cart several years ago in a store parking lot. When I got home and realized it, I sped back to the store. As I ran up to the customer service desk, an employee had my purse open in front of him, and was holding my ID as he prepared to call me. The customer who returned it was still close by and refused a reward when I offered it. She only took my profound gratitude.

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    1. Thanks so much for visiting today, Galen!
      Wow! What an inspirational story you have shared here. It is so refreshing and comforting to know there are still honest folks out there who do the right thing because it is the right thing to do. Glad you ran into one of them! :)
      Blessings to you!

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  8. The way a child behaves has great bearings on the parents and your insightful story illustrates that. I cannot recall any specific incident but have many times been helped by strangers.

    Have a wonderful and blessed weekend, dear Martha.

    Joy always,
    Susan

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by, Susan!
      Yes, a child's behavior does, indeed, reflect the way he or she has been raised. I'm so glad that, because of this young man, Ginger's story had a happy ending.
      Blessings to you for a great weekend, too!

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  9. Wow, this is a wonderful story! Such an honest young man. I cannot think of anything right now to be honest Martha. Have a blessed weekend!

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    1. Thanks for coming by, Nelieta!
      Yes, he certainly is. Warmed my heart when Ginger told me this story.
      Blessings to you and your weekend!

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  10. I'm happy it turned out that way -- it's what I'd have hoped, and maybe expected, from most people ;-) Yes, I've experienced that! Grateful heart!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Linda!
      Yes, it makes me happy, too. Like you, I believe the majority of people are like this young man. We just always hear about those who do the wrong thing instead.
      Blessings to you!

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  11. It reaffirms my belief in upbringing. its so vital and in todays age when it is not that attended to it is heartening to hear such real stories.

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    1. Thanks so much for visiting, Jerly!
      Yes, the way children are brought up is all important. We must teach them values if they are to grow into caring, responsible adults.
      Glad you enjoyed the post!
      Blessings to you!

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  12. Martha,
    Our minister, Andy Stanley has been doing a series on The Future Family and yesterday spoke about raising kids in different seasons of their life. For certain, this young man had been influenced in a good way by his parent. I think society dwells on the bad and forgets the many positive actions the young generation takes. They have the highest rate of volunteerism ever in our country. Obviously Ginger had been parented well too. What a sweet post to remind us to look around and see what is there to restore our faith.

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    1. Thanks so much for coming by, Kathy!
      Yes, I agree that society too often dwells on the negative and doesn't look at the positive as was beautifully modeled by this young man. After attending Passion 2012 this past January, I literally saw thousands of examples of Christian young people who had manners, respect, and genuine hearts for others. That was an experience I will ever cherish!
      Blessings to you!

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  13. Wow Martha what another amazing story! That young man has raised the bar for all young people!

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    1. Thanks so much for coming by, Cathy!
      Yes, he indeed raised the bar. Glad I could share this story!
      Blessings to you!

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  14. You know Martha I have had so many experiences like that I cannot give up faith in humanity, that there is always good. I remember once two years back I had gone to the ATM and pulled out Rs. 10,000 which is a lot of money for me. In my rush to let the other man who was waiting outside to draw money I forgot to collect the money. It was on the table next to the machine. I was almost reaching my car when this man comes running out to tell me that I have left my money. I could not believe it. I have had so many experiences like this. So yes I do believe many good people still walk the earth.

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    1. Thanks so much for visiting, Rimly!
      Oh, wow, what an incredible experience you have shared here! That alone would certainly restore my faith in humanity.
      Blessings to you!

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  15. I have indeed. It's so unexpected it takes your breath away. I tend to see only the good in people but I know there is dark and try to avoid it. Silly, but it keeps my heart open and ready to give if needed. Wonderful story. My best to your friend, Ginger. Can't be easy.

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    1. Thanks for coming by, Brenda!
      I, too, always look for the good in others and expect the best from them. Even when I've been let down, I keep the faith.
      Our hearts should ever be open and ready to give in love. :)
      Blessings to you!

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  16. Oh yes! I've actually left my entire purse sitting in a shopping cart and driven away...(I know you're thinking maybe I have Alzhiemers) Only to have the person who found it call me and return it with NOTHING missing. I am amazed at the honesty in the world sometimes. Great story.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Lynne!
      Oh, wow, that's an amazing story! What a blessing to have had such an honest person find your purse. Thanks for sharing here!
      Blessings to you!

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    1. Thank you for stopping by, Nikki. Sure have missed you, my friend . . .
      Glad to know this post spoke to your heart.
      Blessings and prayers!

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