Robbed Of A Blessing
A short and simple Christmas message.51 total reviews
Comment from findingmyroom
Your parable/anecdote strikes home as I have been in a similar position to yours. A little more detail about the pastor's typical kindness (show not tell) would help round out your thought, as well as another sentence or two about the impact the moment had on your future ability to give. It is probably a little painful to share, but a tiny tweak or two would really bring it home.
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2008
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Your parable/anecdote strikes home as I have been in a similar position to yours. A little more detail about the pastor's typical kindness (show not tell) would help round out your thought, as well as another sentence or two about the impact the moment had on your future ability to give. It is probably a little painful to share, but a tiny tweak or two would really bring it home.
Comment Written 15-Dec-2008
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2008
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Thanks for your comments. I will have to think about how I can do that.
Hugs,
Jan
Comment from peggysis64
A powerful message you have relayed here. Having a gift given from the heart accepted with graciousness is a true blessing. To have that gift thrown back at you can be heart wrenching regardless of the intention. Well done. No corrections. k
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2008
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A powerful message you have relayed here. Having a gift given from the heart accepted with graciousness is a true blessing. To have that gift thrown back at you can be heart wrenching regardless of the intention. Well done. No corrections. k
Comment Written 15-Dec-2008
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2008
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Thank you so much for the wonderful review. I am so glad you enjoyed this.
Hugs,
Jan
Comment from nubianlord
it may not be your bst writing but the moral isnot lost on the discerning. you have donea good job bri nging it to ouyr consciousness. i, probably would havwe reacted like the pastor without realising the negative impact on the giver. The pastor meant no wrong though!
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2008
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it may not be your bst writing but the moral isnot lost on the discerning. you have donea good job bri nging it to ouyr consciousness. i, probably would havwe reacted like the pastor without realising the negative impact on the giver. The pastor meant no wrong though!
Comment Written 15-Dec-2008
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2008
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Thank you very much. No, he didn't mean to hurt me, and I know that. He is a very sweet and godly man.
Jan
Comment from mmichelle97219
There are simple acts of kindness that often go unappreciated by the people who receive them. Fortunately those who give of themselves will never know that. Their hearts are too full for the feelings they get from giving. I probably botched that. I liked the post, and will remember the lesson.
Happy Writing.
Michelle
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2008
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There are simple acts of kindness that often go unappreciated by the people who receive them. Fortunately those who give of themselves will never know that. Their hearts are too full for the feelings they get from giving. I probably botched that. I liked the post, and will remember the lesson.
Happy Writing.
Michelle
Comment Written 15-Dec-2008
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2008
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Many thanks, Michelle. I understand exactly what you are saying.
Hugs,
Jan
Comment from Sarah_Goldwell
This is a really heart felt story. I can see why people might think the pastor did right, but your story shows how condesceding it is to have a gift refused in that way
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2008
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This is a really heart felt story. I can see why people might think the pastor did right, but your story shows how condesceding it is to have a gift refused in that way
Comment Written 15-Dec-2008
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2008
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Thank you so much, Goldwell. I do appreciate your kind words.
Jan
Comment from wazzo
I too have heard that story many a long year ago. I do have to agree with all that is written. Isn't it strange that people cannot see what you and I see. And what of those folk who if you do a little favour for them just have to treat you in some way. We Christians should be able to receive blessings from one another and thank God that He has put such lovely people in His Church. Blessings this Yule tide. Albert
reply by the author on 15-Dec-2008
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I too have heard that story many a long year ago. I do have to agree with all that is written. Isn't it strange that people cannot see what you and I see. And what of those folk who if you do a little favour for them just have to treat you in some way. We Christians should be able to receive blessings from one another and thank God that He has put such lovely people in His Church. Blessings this Yule tide. Albert
Comment Written 15-Dec-2008
reply by the author on 15-Dec-2008
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Thank you so much, Albert. This is a true recounting of something that happened to me. I really appreciate your kind review.
Jan
Comment from Judian James
"It might seem ridiculous, impractical, or over-the-top, but if it's given freely, without strings or ulterior motivation, please accept the gift graciously and say a simple thank you" are you talking to me?? thank you, and you know I mean when I say this was a wonderful, thoughtful piece Jani.
reply by the author on 15-Dec-2008
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"It might seem ridiculous, impractical, or over-the-top, but if it's given freely, without strings or ulterior motivation, please accept the gift graciously and say a simple thank you" are you talking to me?? thank you, and you know I mean when I say this was a wonderful, thoughtful piece Jani.
Comment Written 15-Dec-2008
reply by the author on 15-Dec-2008
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Your friendship is a blessing in my life and I am also blessed to know you found this worthy of five stars. It's a true story, non-fiction and it came to mind following recent events in my life.
Hugs,
Jan
Comment from adewpearl
This is a most meaningful and well-told story and rings so true. When my daughter got married 2 years ago, she received a check for $100 from Norma, a grandmother figure in her life who was once our neighbor and is still a great friend. Norma is old, crippled from polio, lives on social security and disability and receives subsidized housing. Miranda wanted to return the check and I told her she dared not do any such thing. Norma loves her and is grateful to Miranda for many many favors she has done for Norma - I told her exactly what this story says, that it would have robbed her of a blessing. Since then, Miranda has made sure to give Norma gifts that have long ago eaten up that $100, but by doing it this way, she has done nothing to negate the gift. This story truly resonated with me, and is told in your usual well-crafted style
reply by the author on 15-Dec-2008
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This is a most meaningful and well-told story and rings so true. When my daughter got married 2 years ago, she received a check for $100 from Norma, a grandmother figure in her life who was once our neighbor and is still a great friend. Norma is old, crippled from polio, lives on social security and disability and receives subsidized housing. Miranda wanted to return the check and I told her she dared not do any such thing. Norma loves her and is grateful to Miranda for many many favors she has done for Norma - I told her exactly what this story says, that it would have robbed her of a blessing. Since then, Miranda has made sure to give Norma gifts that have long ago eaten up that $100, but by doing it this way, she has done nothing to negate the gift. This story truly resonated with me, and is told in your usual well-crafted style
Comment Written 15-Dec-2008
reply by the author on 15-Dec-2008
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Thank you so much. Yes, it would have broken Norma's heart to have been given her gift back. I'm so glad your daughter thought of other ways to return the blessings.:-)
Jan
Comment from Dawn of Tomorrow
You are absolutely right, he should have taken the gift as it was from the heart and those are blessed who give in such manner. It's a shame he didn't recognize it on that day. I'm sure there were days afterwards when he realized the error of his judgement. I think you did a good job with your message here.
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reply by the author on 15-Dec-2008
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You are absolutely right, he should have taken the gift as it was from the heart and those are blessed who give in such manner. It's a shame he didn't recognize it on that day. I'm sure there were days afterwards when he realized the error of his judgement. I think you did a good job with your message here.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 15-Dec-2008
reply by the author on 15-Dec-2008
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Thank you so much. Yes, I'm sure he realized later. He is a good man, and a wonderful pastor. I really appreciate the review.
Jan
Comment from Leigh May
Hello
This is a succinct story with a powerful message. And, timely of course.
I noticed one error only:
{You see, [I]n that instance, that well-meaning man had robbed her of a blessing.} - capital 'I' instead of lower case 'i'
Thanks for sharing
Leigh
reply by the author on 15-Dec-2008
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Hello
This is a succinct story with a powerful message. And, timely of course.
I noticed one error only:
{You see, [I]n that instance, that well-meaning man had robbed her of a blessing.} - capital 'I' instead of lower case 'i'
Thanks for sharing
Leigh
Comment Written 15-Dec-2008
reply by the author on 15-Dec-2008
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Thank you so much, Leigh. I have corrected the nit. Any chance of an up-grade?
Jan