What She did with her coins . . .

Should philanthropy be on our radar as leadHERs? Is it something that has crossed your mind and you’ve put it on your future to-do list, hoping to get to a certain financial level? What if what it takes to make a real difference doesn’t require you to wait? What if your started today, right now where you are with what you have?

Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. Then one poor widow came and threw in two [a]mites, which make a [b]quadrans. (Mark 12:41-42, NKJV)

It's probably one of the best examples in scripture of giving - the Widow with two small coins. Because if Jesus took note of what she did and made her example a living lesson for his disciples, it probably means that what she did was a big deal.

So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury. (Mark 12:43, NKJV)

But what about what she didn’t do? She didn’t let her limited economic status stop her from becoming a big-time giver. This is really powerful when we apply the same concept to our lives and leadership. It’s not about the number of resources that you have, but what you choose to do with them! It’s not about waiting until you achieve a certain status, acquire a particular amount of wealth, or attain an elevated position of influence. God can use even the smallest things we have to accomplish His purpose and further His mission in the earth.

And what about how she didn’t allow a comparison of her gift with the offerings given by others to hinder her coins from dropping into the treasury box? How many leadHERs have been robbed of the opportunity to share their gifts by the thief of comparison? When we are preoccupied with looking to see what others are offering, it can obscure the value of what we have to share.

For they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.” (Mark 12:44).

Finally, what about how she didn’t let what it cost her prevent her from giving her best gift? When it really costs you something, your gift takes on even more value in God’s eyes. Every time we make a sacrificial investment, remember that it won’t go unnoticed. It wasn’t the size or amount that caught Jesus’ attention but the willingness to give even though it was all she had.

Jesus takes notice of our giving. How we give. What we give. And what it costs us to give. The knowledge of these truths should speak volumes to us as leadHERs. The widow’s story leaves us with no excuses.

START today.

GIVE right now.

GIFT what you have.

MAKE the sacrifice.

LeadHERs, my prayer for you today is that you will LIVE and GIVE generously. Whether it’s your time, your money, or the creative talents you have to share, don’t be afraid to start today. Remember that your small offering in God’s big hands can make a difference now and into eternity.

Your Sister in LeadHERship,

Dr. Margaret R. Frye

Want to learn more about the story of the Widow with 2 small coins? Find it in Mark 12:41-44.

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