The Widow’s Mite, The Patron Pendant of Writers
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The exchanging of gifts is a deep part of every culture. Tying ourselves with others through talismans, reminders, treasures, or gifts is a way of reinforcing the bond of friendship even though distance may separate. A friend bought me a beautiful bracelet from Fashion & Compassion, which is not so noteworthy, except for the fact that we had only met the day before. We were both a bit overwhelmed, attending out first SheSpeaks conference, both Mothers traveling alone for the first time. It was an instant comfort knowing there would be someone to meet up with for coffee and catch a ride to the hotel with at the end of the night. We had lots of opportunities to share our life experience with one another and talk about what led us to SheSpeaks. My friend wanted to bless me with a little bit of beauty and kindness, so perfectly matching my personality that she must have been led by angels.
That night in my hotel room God reminded me I had brought a necklace along with me. I knew immediately that it was for’ her. I did not intend on wearing it for the remainder of the conference. I wore it on my flight only. I often wear it when I go somewhere that I know I will have to lead or speak or generally “be a big girl.” I wore it as a reminder, because the coin is worth more than the value stamped on it’s face. It is an ancient coin, unearthed and set in silver, hanging on a little braided box chain. The coin is a one cent, widows mite, the same coin spoken about in the scripture in Luke 21:1-4.
The Widow’s Two Mites
21 And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, 2 and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites. 3 So He said, “Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; 4 for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God,[a] but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.” (NKJV)
My new friend, recently widowed, was just beginning on this miraculous walk that God was leading her through, but the coin was not a symbol of her status in the worlds eyes. As I gave her the coin the next morning, a small token of friendship and gratitude, I told her what the coin held in meaning to me. The scripture spoke of the widow putting her two small coins in the offering. I have felt like that widow, when my resources were low. I was stretched beyond my abilities and, I too, still wanted to give an offering to God. I felt I had little to offer compared to those who had more than enough. It was in those times that God graciously reminded me that I have the power of my words. I’m sure you have heard the idiom, “putting in your two cents.”
I can speak life. I can speak truth. I am a writer and speaker and every time I do those things, I pour out an offering with the words of my lips. I may look like a Mom, a wife, just a homeschooler at face value, but like the two little coins, I am so much more.
I told my friend, who is just on the outset of a writing career, her words will always be her resource. She will always have the words of her testimony and the truth in her heart to offer to the world around her. The widow with the mite coin should be the patron saint of writers everywhere, a reminder that we have a gift to offer that is greater than all of the riches brought easily, out of excess. A treasured reminder that we are worth more than what we see on the surface. A keepsake that whispers to us that the one that matters sees us. The one that forged us sees our true value and is pleased.
Keep writing my friend and hold nothing back.
If you are wondering about the SheSpeaks conference, it was a wonderful experience and I met so many amazing women, each with a story to share. I truly hope each one of them is able to go out and touch the world in the area her heart is kindled toward. These women were powerful in their conviction, sweet in friendship and passionate that the world not tangle another soul in lies that each of them has suffered through. I was inspired, strengthened and encouraged to be with 800 like hearted friends for the weekend. I was awed at the honesty, transparency and grace. This was not church, these ladies mean business and their business is changing lives and offering hope to a lost and dying world. Be on the look out for some great writers, leaders and speakers coming out of this group. Pray for them often and a sincere thank you to Proverbs31.org for hosting all of us. I hope to do it again.
