Mary Stegall ~ Love First Moment

I'm Mary Stegall and I am Love First.

A few years ago someone asked me why I give money to my church. I had never been asked that question before. And, it made me realize I had never really given it much thought. My parents were certainly role models for giving to the church. I remember as a child wrapping a dime in a hanky to take to Sunday school for the children's offering, and later, when I was old enough to be confirmed, I made a pledge and put my dollar in my pledge envelope each week. So, I knew early on that giving to the church was part of what I was supposed to do. But that wasn't the main reason for my continued giving as an adult. After I thought about the question of my giving to the church for a few moments I was surprised with the answer I gave, and I also knew it was the real reason for my giving. The answer is gratitude. Gratitude for all that has been given to me. I didn't do anything special to earn this place in life: to be fortunate enough to be born in a country where I am free and safe; to have been born into a family that loved and protected me and provided financial stability, to have food on the table and a comfortable bed to sleep in each night. These are all gifts that have been given to me. And out of gratitude for these gifts I want to give back. Giving out of gratitude is a giving that has no strings attached. Giving because we have to, or think it's what we should do comes about more grudgingly and usually expects something in return. And, where else are we in a better position to give back in gratitude than through our church. First Church is a wonderfully generous institution. It's generosity has made my life better and has made our community a better place in which to live. I support the work of this church, not because I have to, but because I'm grateful for all this church has given to me, to us, to our community and our world. Won't you join me?

I'm Mary Stegall and I am Love First.