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He whispered as he turned towards Jack, “Y’all sure she ‘fits the bill?’ Can you give me her name?” Jack replied, “Her name is Mary Lou, she lives three doors down from the Barren’s. This will really help get her through the pain of her poverty and her son’s problems, just knowing someone cared enough to help her especially at this time of the year.”

He responded, “I moan a lot, have some insane habits, and there’s no doubt my neck is ‘red,’ but I’m indeed blessed, lucky to have what I have.”

Jack put his arm around him and said, “All of us are limited, but this clearly puts you above many – giving from the heart is proof of faith, the cornerstone of hope and obviously an act of love.”

We’ve had our time for Thanksgiving. Now, as we approach the holidays – especially Christmas – we must think of not only giving “thanks” but of truly “giving”. There are hundreds of quotes related to the necessity and spirit of giving – these are but two – but these two are the essence: Kahlil Gibran, “You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.” George Harrison, “Give me love, give me peace on earth, give me light, give me life, keep me free from birth, give me hope, help me cope, with this heavy load, trying to, touch and reach you with, heart and soul.”

He climbed the front steps, approached the door and knocked – after a short time Mary Lou appeared. As she opened the door she said, “Yes, can I help you?” He replied, “I know y’all don’t know me but I know this past year has been hard on you and your family. I’ve been searching for a way I can help.” After a short pause and some struggle with words he continued, “Please accept this and let me know if there is more I can do to help.”

Mary Lou was shocked as he handed her an envelope and, before she could react he turned and left. “Wait.” Mary Lou shouted out, but he didn’t stop and continued to walk until he was out-of-sight.

Mary Lou closed the door and went to her kitchen where she sat at the table. She stared at the envelope in her hands, turning it over she found both address and cell number. She opened the envelope and read the following, “Dear Mary Lou. It’ll soon be Christmas and as a Christian I know it’s far better to give than receive. I looked at my life and I have been given much, but I feel like I’ve given little back. Your neighbor Jack told me about your life and the grief of this past year. I hope the enclosed check will help you with your son’s medical bills. I’ve taken care of your electric and water bill for the next quarter. You can give me thanks by doing the following: continue to have faith, hope and love. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.” The note was signed – “Bubba”.

There lies within every Billy-Bob, Bubba and all of you an oft hidden desire to love another, to give of yourself . Life is found in the light of love. See, I knew I loved you Bubba, now I know why.