Extravagant Generosity

My dad told me about a month-long book study on personal finance started at his church based on Rev. Adam Hamilton's book, Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity. Intrigued, I picked up a copy. The book is a crucial conversation on what the Bible might have to say to us, Christians in the U.S., and it challenges us to become extravagant in blessing others.

Rev. Hamilton shared several statistics, many you likely heard in a sermon recently. He shared ways that we as a nation have strayed from generosity to credit and consumerism. I felt convicted, but also gained some wisdom, even inspiration. Of the many stories shared in the book, the most inspiring centers on Jeff Hanson, a 15 year old student with neurofibromatosis attending KS School for the Blind.

“Jeff bakes and paints, sells his creations, and donates the money [$15,000 at book's writing] to the Children's Tumor Foundation,” writes Hamilton. When his wish to meet Elton John came true (made possible by Make a Wish Foundation while he was undergoing chemo), Jeff, age 12 at the time, handed Elton John $1,000 for Elton John's AIDS Foundation. Elton John later reciprocated with $5,000 check for the Tumor Foundation. Interested in hearing more about Jeff's story, Elton John flew Jeff and his family to Dubai for a concert.

Extravagant generosity opens doors to share the love of God in the world. This Advent, may we prayerfully ask how we are called to bless others as Jeff has with his gifts and graces.