You’re a single mother. Your name is Deidra. Your wallet has three bucks in it. You have an old Visa gift card with twelve dollars left on it.
Something bad happened today.
It wasn’t because of anything you did. It’s because you’re in your late thirties, and teenagers can do your job cheaper. They cut your hours. Management’s way of firing you.
You reacted. You let your manager have it. You called him an awful name. You wish you could take it back. You cry in your car. You wipe your face. Then cry again. You wait for your kids to exit the free daycare.
And here you are, sorting mail while you wait. Power bill. Water bill. Cellphone bill. Cable. Insurance. It never ends.
Your kids run toward you. There are kisses, hugs. You notice how tall your oldest is. Your nine-year-old colored a picture.
You’re thinking about what’s inside your refrigerator for supper. A few slices of bologna, half a liter of Coke, old carrots, two eggs. You look in your purse. The gift card.
You drive to a pizza buffet. It’s six bucks for your oldest, four bucks for the youngest—not counting soda.
You slide your card and hold your breath.
Life isn’t supposed to be this way. You’re not supposed to skip suppers and feed your kids with gift cards.
You’re young, pretty, healthy. You’re supposed to be happy. Instead, you’re a few dimes shy of homelessness.
After the meal, you leave eighty-four cents for a tip. That’s all the loose change you have—you’re saving your last three dollars.
You drive. Your gas gauge is on E.
You’re humiliated. That’s how poverty works. It embarrasses a person, until they think so little of themselves, they don’t like their reflection.
You pull into a gas station. You’re going to put three dollars into your old Ford Contour. Not a penny more.
You walk inside to pay cash. There’s a man in line, behind you. He’s tall. Longish hair. Dirty boots.
He sees you throw three dollars down. He steps forward and says, “I’ll pay for her gas.” He places thirty dollars on the counter.
“You don’t have to do that,” you tell the man. He doesn’t answer. He just smiles. You’re embarrassed. You head for your car. He follows. “Wait!” he hollers.
Now, you’re scared. Some weirdo is following you, and God knows what he’s got in mind. You’ve seen the ten-o’clock news.
You jump into your car and lock the doors. You start the engine.
He raps on the window. “Please,” he says. “I’m not gonna hurt you.”
After a few minutes, he doesn’t leave. You roll down your window—against your better judgement. The man hands you an envelope with four hundred-dollar bills in it. Crisp bills. Four.
“It’s all I got,” he says. “Wish it were more.”
He says nothing else and walks away. He does not step into a car. He does not mount a bicycle. He walks into the darkness, and he’s gone.
Maybe you don’t think there is something up there, watching over you.
Deidra wants you to know there is.
50 comments
Anne Arthur - August 21, 2022 7:48 am
Yes, there is. GOD is watching over us.
WayneGina Yount - August 21, 2022 7:57 am
❤️🙏JESUS❤️🙏
Ed (Bear) - August 21, 2022 8:55 am
Sean, today your article reminded me of those old Disney movies I watched as a kid. Their movies still follow similar plots today but were somehow different for me back then. They take me on an emotional roller coaster ride. Happy one minute, sad the next, then happy again. It’s like experiencing a mild bipolar disorder episode but under control. Thanks for sharing this story again. You always remind us that there is good in a world of disparities.
William Scruggs - August 21, 2022 10:13 am
Love this! So moving!
Barbara - August 21, 2022 10:24 am
Yes, there is a Someone! God provides in miraculous ways. Years ago, I was in similar circumstances, only my wallet contained $7. We survived, by God’s grace & provision.
Debbie - August 21, 2022 10:26 am
I was Diedra by another name and still am, only it isn’t as hard now that my children are grown. God has always watched over me, provided for me and protected me. I still need Him and am grateful to Him. I love Him and praise Him for all He has done.
Christine - August 21, 2022 12:10 pm
Yes Debbie, praise His Holy Name❤️
Christine - August 21, 2022 12:12 pm
Yes Debbie, Praise His Holy Name ❤️
Jocelyn - August 21, 2022 10:49 am
Angels are everywhere and show up when needed. Thanks for the story.
Linda Lewis - August 21, 2022 12:20 pm
Wow! That’s such a powerful story. Thank you for sharing it with us. Reading your column each morning is the perfect way to start my day.
Mark - August 21, 2022 12:21 pm
Awesome, thank you.
sjhl7 - August 21, 2022 12:23 pm
Such beauty in this tired old world. God is good! Thank you for bringing us these stories to prove it.
bjcovington - August 21, 2022 12:25 pm
We all have God and his angels watching over us, helping us in so many ways. Thanks Sean for another special story.
Patricia - August 21, 2022 12:26 pm
The One who sees
Jessica - August 21, 2022 2:38 pm
There is a little Diedra in all us Moms ❤️ Brought tears to my eyes. Needed the reminder today, that he always makes a way…
Suellen - August 21, 2022 12:57 pm
This sounds like the story of my life and one I needed to hear this morning. I’m looking back at all the times in my life that I’ve needed help and the Lord has always blessed me in a miraculous way. Too many to even recount here. I’ve been going through a tough time lately and have been feeling really down. Over and over the Lord is giving me reminders that He sees what I’m going through and He is here with me even in the dark times. Maybe especially in the dark times. Thanks for another reminder Sean!
Pilgrim Jax FL - August 21, 2022 1:02 pm
Good morning, Sean.
I have a job I enjoy. Work with good people, who appreciate my skills.
Supportive Christian community outside of the job.
Yet I have physical pain issues that I have to take medications for to function up to speed. I don’t like taking meds.
My wife is in even more intense and chronic pain.
Sometimes it is hard to see how Blessed we are.
Thanks for the reminder we are never alone.
ICH
Donna Sue - August 21, 2022 1:02 pm
In a few minutes I’ll be getting ready for church. I go seeking His spirit. It comes to me in many ways. This morning you brought Him with your words. My blessing now include your posts. We all need reminders to pay it forward. Thank you.
Robert L. Ensz - August 21, 2022 1:10 pm
Thank you, Sean. None of us like to go through these times, nor do we ever want to again. And yet we thank the Lord for taking us through them. Because it instills in us a compassion wrought by experience. This compassion opens up our hearts and our pocketbooks. Thanks again!
Mary Berryman - August 21, 2022 1:47 pm
“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all ways; they will lift you up in their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” Psalm 91:11-12
Susie - August 21, 2022 1:47 pm
There are many good people in this country, and many sheeple who aren’t. Their time/karma is coming.
Ann - August 21, 2022 2:10 pm
God is good🙏🏻
Ann Davis - August 21, 2022 2:32 pm
This story made my day. There are still good people everywhere. There are still little miracles everywhere. And thank God for both.
Brenda Hittle - August 21, 2022 2:33 pm
Amen! Amen! Amen! I rejoice with
Thank you Lord! I rejoice with Diedra!
Chris Conley - August 21, 2022 2:52 pm
Oh dear. I do adore your writing. Hope is in every word.
Cathy M - August 21, 2022 3:13 pm
It hurts to read this. Every mother can feel the pain in this woman’s heart. However, there are angels among us who reach out to help. May we all have the opportunity to help someone in need. Thanks for this Sunday morning message
MELBA POOLE - August 21, 2022 3:16 pm
Just WOW!!
Patricia Gibson - August 21, 2022 3:44 pm
I needed that, Sean! Thanks for sharing!!
Weston Toews - August 21, 2022 4:36 pm
After we’ve been unthankful. Struggled against bitter feelings and unsuccessfully. Then He does something for us anyway. That is love.
Denise - August 21, 2022 5:20 pm
So, I’m crying after reading this… not sure if I’m crying for the mother, the kind stranger, or because ‘but for the grace of God go I’. May all of us feel more compelled to help wherever and whenever we can. God bless you, Sean.
B B Wynn - August 21, 2022 6:04 pm
And,.. that man is. S D. Maybe????
David Britnell - August 21, 2022 6:23 pm
Another angel among us! Thank you Lord!
Mary Grider - August 21, 2022 7:50 pm
Love this! Thank you for sharing. I plan to make someone’s day very soon!
Tammy S. - August 21, 2022 7:52 pm
I’ve been in both situations, and both are a blessing. To be able to give and to need to receive…God always provides needs and opportunities!! Thanks for the reminder Deidra. ☺️
Linda Moon - August 21, 2022 7:59 pm
If she were alive, my single Mom would want you to know that. I knew it as her kid, and I still do.
MAM - August 21, 2022 9:14 pm
We all at some point are on the receiving end of God’s largesse and mercy. As we progress in life, we must remember that now we can give to those in need, and always with God’s help. Sean, you are an angel with your everyday words. Thanks!
Teresa - August 21, 2022 10:36 pm
Thank you for that story. It makes me feel more validated from an experience I had years ago. Angels showed up out of nowhere, and once I was safe, they seemed to disappear into thin air. So magical how they show up at your most vulnerable moment. Thank you for the reminder. 😊
CHARALEEN WRIGHT - August 21, 2022 11:13 pm
❤️
Karen - August 21, 2022 11:31 pm
I am so happy this Angel stepped into her life. It hurts my heart to know anyone has to deal with poverty.
Misha Benson - August 22, 2022 12:03 am
You make me laugh, you make me cry…you give me hope. Thank you.
1018le - August 22, 2022 12:57 am
This reminds me of my twin brother: he sees beyond the exterior and notes the heart of the person…and when they are hurting. He expects nothing in return; he just wants to help. These days, it is difficult to accept that “you don’t get something for nothing”. But some good people still exist…and you are one of them, Sean, for telling a story that sticks! Thank you! 🙂
Texas Oma - August 22, 2022 2:17 am
That young single mother used to be me. It was 60 years ago, I was 24, and everyone knew that when a couple divorced, the man’s standard of living usually came up, while the woman and her children’s standard of living took a deep dive. One night, I fed my little boys the last thing in the cabinet, some sardines in a can and some saltine crackers, and I had coffee. I usually had coffee and a ten-cent Reece’s Cup for lunch at work. My weight was down to 109. It took me a long time dig my way out of that hole, but I did. Ten years later, I was enrolling at Oklahoma State U. Four years after that, with a few angels in between, I got my BS. Nine years after that, I proudly received my MA. I was able to carve out a decent career even after age 50 and retired at 70. God bless that stranger. He was one of God’s angels! Be someone’s angel today. You’ll know it when God nudges you and you feel like “I oughta do something…” Do it. You may never know if you made a difference, but that person will know!
patriciasimmonstaylor - August 22, 2022 5:51 am
The Bible says if you see someone in need and go and tell them God loves them and then you walk away, it does no good. But, if you tell them God loves them and you meet their need,they will believe it. James 2:14-17
sflouden - August 22, 2022 10:28 am
Oh how I remember this kind of situation. My husband was gone, I had 4 children. We were going to lose the house if I did not come up with house payment. Plus late fee. I had a yard sale with almost everything on my lawn. A man from my church came by and acted as if he was ashamed of what I was doing. I did not tell him of the house. But my best friend did. So on Sunday they took up a special offering for me….the deacons brought the money to my house…I owed $264.75 cents…odd amount because of percentage late fee. They handed me $264.75 and di not know this was exact amount I had to have. I had never told my friend the amount. This was my first recognized account of how God and his people work. I was more than a believer from then on. Thanks for reminding me of this situation.
Steve McCaleb - August 22, 2022 11:34 am
Not all angels have wings and white robes. Some have long hair and dirty boots and carry the Grace of God with them.
pdjpop - August 22, 2022 12:15 pm
Thanks, Sean. For every blog and each word of goodness and encouragement, Thanks.
You make a difference.
Tommy - August 22, 2022 1:48 pm
Beautiful!
It occurs more often than we realize.
Pat - August 22, 2022 2:04 pm
Yep!
Melissa - August 22, 2022 7:08 pm
AMEN!!
connie - August 22, 2022 11:49 pm
An angel was watching over her. Sent someone to rescue her and her children.