Last week I posted a blog about a young lady in Statesboro that has been accepted to a six week summer intensive ballet workshop.  The cost of the workshop is $2,100.  Since posting the blog we have collected / pledged $1,700.  I have been surprised by the ones of you who I have never met that have sent checks in or made pledges.

Each of your stories are as powerful as the ballerinas story and the reason I feel so compelled to help her. 

Three of my favorite stories come from clients who have generously contributed.  One was a school psychologist who shared with us about how wonderful it is to be blessed enough to give this because her mother worked three jobs to help put her and her siblings through school.  Another was from a local doctor who told me that when he came to Statesboro for his undergraduate work he worked his way through school as an RA.  One day he had to run an errand and during that trip he ran out of gas.  He walked back to the dorm and left his car on the side of the road for days - until he received his paycheck so he would have the money to buy some gas.  He made a commitment that day to make a living of serving so he could make a life by giving.  The third is from a local pharmacist who grew up very lavishly in another country.  She lived in a 11,000 square foot mansion - complete with servants.  Her parents left all of that to move to the US and lived in a 900 square foot house so she and her siblings could get a great education. Incredible, huh?

When I learned of this need, my first inclination was to write a check for the camp from my savings account.  DeWayne asked me to share this with our friends through the blog before I did that.  He felt that many of you would relate to this story in a special way and would benefit from being involved.  WOW…was he right!  He will assure you that does not happen much!

You have reassured me the power and humbleness of the Bible verse, “to whom much is given, much is expected.”  Thanks for sharing your gifts with her and your stories with me.  My goal in life once was to retire wealthy.  A little cancer and a miracle child and now I want to make enough money to follow in the footsteps of the example set by Rick Warren (author of The Purpose Driven Life) and reverse tithe.  Rick tithes 90% of his income and lives off of 10%.  Imagine how wonderful that must be?

For those of you who have not given - there is still time (not much though, so please hurry!).  Contact me at info@lorigrice.com or 912-764-7274.