Anonymously Yours

Have you ever had an anonymous gift given to you and never found out who it was from?  I've had two that were given to me anonymously and they made a tremendous impact in my life.

To receive a gift from someone who chooses to remain anonymous is the treasure of a lifetime!  Its like having a secret admirer forever and ever, and it's the gift that never stops giving.  It takes a unique person to give without wanting admiration in return and it sends a deep message that resonates loves from every angle.  

In both of my experiences, the givers had chosen to remain anonymous and to this very day, I have no idea who gave them to me.  They made a big difference in my life and I cherish both experiences.

 

My life is worth saving...

I received an invitation to speak at a young women's conference on the subject of trials and tribulations. The titled of my talk was Spiritual Preservation.  Trials and tribulations were two things that I had a lot of experience in and I certainly felt qualified to speak on the subject!  I thought whoever had chosen me for the subject must have know me well.

During the talk, I shared several stories of personal setbacks that had brought me to my knees, (literally) through the disappointments of trial and error.  Many of these experiences came by virtue of my own stupidity; nevertheless, I learned valuable lessons that shape a much better me.  I concluded that the greater part of my character was built through and in spite of the hardships in life, rather than experiences made easy.  I confessed that I would not have amounted to much of anything without opposition!  

The trials and tribulations in my life had shown me the integrity and true grit of my own character and the depths of my soul; giving me a greater sense of self worth.  I remember ending with a statement something like this, "There are no losers in this life, only winners!  The sweet taste of victory comes when you learn how to develop the strength and spiritual muscles to stand before God... one trial at a time!"   

A week later, I got an anonymous card in the mail, thanking me for speaking at the conference.  The person went on to explain how her life had taken a spiral downward because of overwhelming opposition that she faced and she was ready to call it quits.  She went on to explain that a friend had invited her to the conference that day and she attended only out of obligation.  

In the card she wrote that the statement, "There are no losers in this life, only winners"  had changed the perspective she had of herself; she had always thought of herself as a loser.  (Can you imagine?  What a burden for a young woman to carry!)  

The anonymous gift that she gave me was the last sentence hand written in the card: I believe that my life is worth saving and I'll always love you for that! 

I cried when I read it and to this day, I have know idea who sent it to me, but this anonymous gift of love and hope touched my life.  It's amazing how our words have the power to reach across the great divide and bring someone out of darkness and into safety.  

     

The Envelope 

1981 was a very difficult year for me and my family.  I spent seven months in and out of the hospital and lost my daughter to a premature death.  The intense grief was unbearable and it was difficult for my family to rebound from the trauma. The medical bills and funeral cost were beyond comprehension and it seemed like a hugh mountain that I would never be able to climb.  

Two days after our daughter was buried, I walked outside to get in my car and noticed an envelope on the drivers seat.  I opened it to find a white piece of paper, with my name written on it and a large sum of cash inside the paper, with no further explanation.  There were so many wonderful people who could have given this gift and to this day I have no idea of the generous soul. 

Whoever you are, I want you to know that you took my weary yoke upon you and I will alway love you for caring enough about me to lift my heavy burden.  I remember going to sleep that night feeling loved and cared for, and my trials were much lighter to bare!  

Over the years I have been able to "pay it forward" and each time I bless the life of someone in need, I pay tribute to you and your anonymous gift of love.  Thank you from the depths of my heart. 

The definition of "giving" is: to freely transfer the possession of something to someone, to bestow love, affection or emotional support, to admire.  What a wonderful gift to give to another. 

 by LindaSumner Urza, One fine day.