What a Difference a Gift Makes!
By Rev. Dr. Helen Bessent Byrd, (Union-PSCE, M.Div’07)
As you reflect on your life’s journey, can you recall events or persons that were turning points in your life? Such experiences change your trajectory, engender tenacity in you and empower your transformation. These would be life changing experiences that, had they not occurred, you would not be the person you are today! What a difference that day made for you. One of Dinah Washington’s signature ballads for which she was popular in the 1950s was entitled, “What a Difference a Day Makes.” She sang, “What a difference a day made; Twenty-four little hours; Brought the sun and the flowers; Where there used to be rain. My yesterday was blue, dear; Today I’m a part of you, dear…” This beautiful song makes the point that one seemingly small event or interaction in your life can result in a profound change for and in you.
For me, a gift made the difference. “A gift opens doors; it gives access to the great” (Prov. 18:16). That access is given to the gifter and the giftee. I had just graduated from college and returned home to my parents’ farm in Georgia. Although, I had applied to receive a fellowship for graduate studies in Philadelphia, and had filed an application for a teaching position in the local school system. I had not received a letter of acceptance from either. I really wanted to pursue further study but I knew my parents did not have money for that.
At the end of my first week at home, an acceptance letter from Temple University arrived. Now what? I needed money to travel to Philadelphia and pay for sundries. Reminded my parents didn’t have the money on hand, I wrote to a couple who gave me a $1,000 scholarship during my sophomore and junior years in college and asked them if they could suggest a source from which I could request assistance. I received a response in a few days. Enclosed was a check for $300 with a promissory note to be signed at 2% interest. The couple told me there was more money available if I needed it. God had answered the prayers of my family and me! I was singing, “What a difference a day makes” and changed the words to, “What a difference a gift made!” I was off to graduate school and borrowed a total of $2,000 from the donors who instructed me to pay the loan back to the Program Mission Agency of the United Presbyterian Church (USA). This gift of financial assistance made it possible for me to accept the federal fellowship which came with employment as a teacher while pursuing graduate study.
As this door to achieve a career goal opened, I envisioned and persisted to secure other teaching experiences and procure other assistance and graduate study. I continuously give thanks to God for the $300 gift and all of the gifts with which God has blessed me. Remember that , “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Pet 4:10). God does not bless us with gifts to hoard or store like the rich fool did in Luke 12:13-21). We are to share our gifts for the uplift of others.
Remember the event or person that made a motivating, direction changing and transforming difference in your life. See the website for giving opportunities. When you give, write BAA on the line with your name if you give online and on the memo line of your check for tracking purposes! Assist seminarians with gifts so they will know “What a difference a gift makes!”
*M.Ed., Temple University ’65; M.Div., Union-PSCE ’07; Ph.D., UConn ’72
