Category Archives: Caring for Others

He Gave the Little He Had

Posted on November 27, 2020 by Sharon Rose Gibson

“He who gives to the poor lends to the Lord and He will reward you for what you have done.” Proverbs 19:17 (NIV)

“Stop, wait a minute. I want to help this woman,” I shouted to my family who walked ahead of me on the streets of Sao Paulo, Brazil. We had taken the bus downtown to the courthouse to meet with the social workers.

We had adopted Alex from a severe poverty situation in Brazil when he was fifteen. After he grew up and graduated from a local university, we sat on the couch one day visiting. “Mom, I know I could stay here in the USA and buy a nice house and car. But what I want to do is to give my brother and sisters trapped in poverty, the same opportunities I had.”

After many years and attempts to bring them here, we were in Brazil to go through the formidable legal process. We decided to adopt Alex’s siblings, seventeen-year-old Michelle, thirteen-year-old Ingrid, and twelve-year-old Michael. We had finished our court appointment, and we were on the way to catch the bus to the apartment where we were staying.

I spotted a woman sitting on the dirty sidewalk with a tin can by her side. She had a baby cradled in her arms and a little boy and girl in dirty clothes playing beside her. My heart moved with deep compassion. Was it the look of sadness and despair in her eyes as she sought to get food to feed her little ones? I don’t know. I knew I had to help her, even if it was only for one meal that day.

I walked over to the nearest food stand to purchase some sandwiches and drinks. As I stood there, twelve-year-old Michael came up behind me and handed me a bill, the equivalent of a dollar. “Here mom,” he said quietly, “I want to help.”

Tears sprang to my eyes as I knew Michael didn’t have much himself. Yet he knew what it was like to be in that situation. He wanted to take the little he had to help someone in a worse condition.

As I walked away that day and for days after, I prayed that somehow God would make a way for her to get out of that situation.

As I reflect on this touching incident, those in need come to mind. Jesus gave it all, and He cares deeply about the poor. We honor Him when we give to them. We may not be able to do a lot, but that doesn’t have to stop us from giving the little we have.

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A Special Surprise ~ the Big Reveal

Posted on March 3, 2019 by Sharon Rose Gibson

“Mom, I have a surprise for you! An out of town guest is coming and they want to surprise you this weekend. You will be very happy to see them.” My son Alex kept this up for several days. I searched my brain over and over trying to figure out who could possibly be so important.

I agreed to meet them at his dad’s house totally puzzled as to who it could be. When I walked in, my mouth dropped open in shock!CBCAE268-5E2B-40AA-8096-2AC08B0739E8

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How to Deal with an Embarrassing Situation

Posted on January 13, 2018 by Sharon Rose Gibson

“My pants ripped.” I looked up to see a red face boy standing at my desk. At that moment I heard giggles and laughter from a few of the other students.

Tears welled up in the boy’s eyes. I tried to fill out the form to send him for help but I couldn’t understand him because of the tears.

I had an assignment as a guest (substitute) teacher for a 5th-grade classroom that day so I didn’t know his name. The word spread and as other students joined in the giggles, the more the tears came.

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My Father Gave His Daughter the Best Gift

Posted on June 19, 2017 by Sharon Rose Gibson

My father gave me the best gift a father could give to a daughter.

To this day, people benefit from his decision to use his gifts, talents, and abilities to care for others. A man I have never met, wept on the phone when he talked to me. He wept out of gratitude for what my father had done for him and his tribe.

Over 60 years ago, my father heard the voice of God. In obedience to God’s voice, he took his young wife and two little girls into the jungle of Africa. The people there nicknamed them Mama and Papa Obedience.

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Posted in Be An Overcomer, Beauty in Adversity, Beauty in Character, Caring for Others, Change the World, Do Hard Things, Dreams - pursue your dreams, Father - Good Father Examples, God's goodness, Relationship Difficulties, Tributes, Write Your Story NOW ~ My stories | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on My Father Gave His Daughter the Best Gift

Beauty Comes From Serving With A Cheerful Heart

Posted on January 18, 2017 by Sharon Rose Gibson
“Hi, how are you tonight?” I looked up behind the counter at Braums (ice cream and small grocery store) to see a big smile on the face of a woman with graying hair and glasses.
I pulled my groceries closer down the conveyor belt. She continued to be joyful as we chatted about the weather and small talk.
“How nice to have someone so cheery. Proverbs says that a cheerful heart is good medicine.” I smiled at her.
“Well, I try to be. I enjoy my customers, meeting them and talking with them.” She put my groceries in a bag.
“It’s good that you like your job. To be satisfied with your work is a good thing.”
She pulled the debit card through the register and smiled again, “Yes it is and I do enjoy my job.”
Preoccupied with the conversation I started to walk out the door.
“Wait a minute, don’t forget your groceries,” she handed me my bag with a big smile on her face.
Sometimes we underestimate the value of those who serve us and think that youth and physical beauty are what count. We forgot that the beauty of cheerful service from young or older can make a difference in our daily life.
Her cheerful heart overflowed into mine and was not only good medicine for her but for me too.
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The True American Spirit

Posted on July 4, 2016 by Sharon Rose Gibson

My car broke down over the weekend. My son-in-law, Carlos helped me fix it. He discovered my oil needed changing. While he worked on it, he sent me to Walmart to get oil and a filter.

The automotive section had closed. I stared at the myriad of choices in oil filters, confused about which one to buy. I had used the machines but I couldn’t find the number they recommended.

I spotted a man and his family who turned down my aisle. I reached out and asked if he knew how to figure it out. He didn’t know but his teenage son stepped up and pulled out his iPhone. He asked me the make, model and year of the car and began to search.

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Everyday Hero ~ An Act of Kindness

Posted on June 15, 2016 by Sharon Rose Gibson

“I didn’t even think to bring in my umbrella. I don’t know how we’re going to get to the car without getting drenched.” I lamented to John, my ten-year-old grandson.

“The wind is blowing hard too.” He observed as we stood at the glass doors gazing at the pouring rain after church last Sunday. Additionally, water rushed down the street gutter. It would be impossible to get to the parking lot on the other side without getting your shoes soaking wet.

I opened the door and mentioned our dilemma to Darryl, one of our deacons, “Do you know if someone has an umbrella? I don’t know how we’re going to get to the car.”

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Hard Things Are Worth It

Posted on May 29, 2016 by Sharon Rose Gibson

I’m enjoying hanging out at our charming Broadway Cafe. I am writing my stories and working on my book,”The Gift of Writing: 10 Ways to Share Your Heart.”

I’m drinking iced tea, caffeine free red rooibos, vanilla and almonds bits. Delicious!

I asked a young woman sitting behind me to take this photo. I found out she’s a camp counselor at New Life Ranch for the summer. She’s going to a university in Texas studying mechanical engineering. She wants to go overseas to help underdeveloped nations with their engineering issues. 16-5-28 Broadway Cafe writing with computer 13267795_10208834082027258_1310929940355884075_n

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Harsh Words Wound ~ Kind Word Bring Healing

Posted on August 3, 2015 by Sharon Rose Gibson

Today, I stopped at a fast food/small grocery in our small town. I chatted with a friend outside who highly recommended the grilled chicken salad with pineapple, blueberries and strawberries. So I ordered it and it lived up to her raving. Delicious!

The young woman who waited on me at the counter went out of her way with her thoughtfulness and consideration of me as a customer.

I make an effort to recognize good customer service so I thanked her and complimented her on her considerate ways. “Her eyes teared a little as she smiled, “Thank you for saying that to me.” A woman customer yelled at me earlier. You know sometimes it gets so hectic here and it’s difficult to keep up.”

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Sharing and Caring For Others ~ A Tribute to My Mom

Posted on May 10, 2015 by Sharon Rose Gibson

On this Mother’s Day, I’m thinking the amazing impact my mom had on me in shaping the direction of my life. Her example of sharing and caring for others, inspires me to this day.

One of my earliest memories is  of her teaching women to read in what is now the Republic of Congo, Africa. She let me come alongside her and had me go to individual women to help them learn to read.

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