The Lord truly does work in mysterious ways. I've never been a Pat Robertson fan. Along with D. James Kennedy, James Dobson, Tony Perkins, and Fred Phelps, Robertson has always represented a version of Christianity that has lost its way. What I saw today showed me that God can even use him as a vessel to do good.
As I was taking my recyclables to the curb this morning, I noticed a letter crudely taped to the window of my car. I came home from work a little later than usual the night before, because I had to pick up my son from his mother's house. He visits her on weekends and has agreed to babysit his younger brother for her on Mondays this summer. Whoever left the letter must have done it during the night or very early in the morning.
I opened it after I came home from work becuase I didn't have time earlier. Inside I found a Bible tract, one of the little pamphlets that tell you that there is hope amidst despair and that God will save you in one easy step. The back cover revealed that it was produced by CBN, Pat Robertson's own Christian Broadcasting Network. Their headquarters is within an hour's drive from my home.
I was saved 18 years ago. I'm not sure if it's a superstition or just a respect for my faith, but I never ignore tracts when I come across them. I don't always read them completely, but I do feel obligated to give them a quick glance. I'm glad I did. Inside, I found not one $20 bill, but 5 of them!
I've received found money before. Finding $5 in the laundry or coins under a couch cushion is always a delightful surprise. The thought of receiving a gift from an evangelical stranger is not so unbelieveable, but $100?
I'm still struggling to understand why. In fact, I'm writing this diary as a way to figure it out. My leading theory is that a generous and well meaning evangelist was driving through my neighborhood looking for the poorest home to share the Gospel and a little something tangible. My house certainly is poor. The siding is peeling, it's missing half its shingles, and there is still flood damage from hurricane Isabel (2003).
I'm grateful for the gift, don't get me wrong. I don't feel like I'm being bribed into a conversion. Appearances aside, however, I don't need it. Sure, there are plenty of ways that I can use it for myself, but I'm not in that state of need. I don't seek charity, nor am I in need of it. I'm not proud, I'm a Democrat, and I believe in personal responsibility. Would I accept charity if I truly needed it? Of course I would, but I have a decent job and the means to take care of myself and my son. It isn't easy being a single parent, but there are many who are worse off than myself.
So, my dilemma is what to do with $100 of found money. It was so kindly given, that I feel obligated to do some good with it. I thought about it and prayed about it. I considered simply paying it forward to someone truly in need, but I have a better idea.
A lot of people are in need because their government has failed them. Jobs have been lost, homes foreclosed, and inflation is getting worse. Disaster victims who turn to their leaders for help receive too little too late, while the goverment writes blank checks for a war that should have never happened. I could go on, but you get the point.
I can help more people, suffering in more ways, by investing my paltry $100 than simply giving it away. After much thought and prayer, I have decided to invest in Obama. I'm certain that his Presidency will improve the lives of millions of people. Rev. Robertson, thank you for your generosity. I'm sure Barack Obama appreciates your support.