Movie Inspires Lifetime of Giving
Mar 11, 2010
“Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets...When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”Matthew 6:1-4We recently learned of a generous woman who was inspired to give, in part, by the movie “Magnificent Obsession.”Based on Lloyd C. Douglas’s book of the same name, it details the journey of a man who, in his search for success in the field of neurosurgery, receives the secret journal of his mentor, which reveals that practicing the art of helping others in secret will lead to personal and professional success. The man does so, and along the way, is redeemed spiritually, personally and professionally. Douglas was inspired by a real-life neurosurgeon and the passage in Matthew 6.
It was this story, portrayed so compellingly in the movie that inspired an Alexander City Junior High schoolteacher to do the same in her own life, according to Randy Driggers, vice president for development with The Baptist Foundation of Alabama. She invested her time and resources in others. She also tried to invest wisely for the future. Both philosophies led her to include the Children’s Homes, as well as other Baptist entities and charitable organizations, in her will.
“She wanted to hopefully inspire others to give through estate gifts,” said Driggers, who walked with her through the process of creating scholarships for students and bequests for charities.
Which is why, although her name is anonymous, her gift is not. She wanted to encourage others to give of their resources not only in the present life, but through means that would allow for giving through the generations.
“This kind lady is a fine example of a wise steward,” said Bob Dewhurst, Children’s Homes’ Vice President of Ministry Development.“When I met her over a decade ago, it was obvious that her desire was to help others while honoring God. Her concern was how she could be the best steward of her life and all that God had entrusted to her.” Dewhurst said the first question he asked her was, “If death occurred tonight, what do you want to happen to your material possessions?”
“She had a good idea about what she wanted to do,” he said.“She just needed help doing it.”
Here’s what Dewhurst recommends for all good financial stewards.
• Study and Pray – Hundreds of Biblical passages address the topic of our stewardship of the time, talent, treasures and truths God has entrusted to us. Specifically pray about who depends on you. Family, friends, the church, church-related organizations and charities are among these.
• Seek and Plan – Seek the counsel of Christians you trust. Specifically seek guidance from professionals with a strong background and understanding of Biblical stewardship.
• Prepare and Implement – The legal and other documents associated with your plans must be written and formally endorsed to help ensure that your stewardship responsibilities are fulfilled.
• Review and Revise – Every few years and anytime that a significant life event occurs, your plan should be reviewed and, if necessary, updated. These events include births, deaths, marriages and major changes in your material assets such as the sale or purchase of real estate.
To help you in carrying out your financial stewardship responsibilities, you can email or call Bob Dewhurst to receive a Guide to Planning Your Estate. He may be contacted at 1-888-720-8805 or Dewhurst@abchome.org.