Once in a while we hear this statement: “We’ll give a donation to your favorite charity.” I’ve always been intrigued by that, wondering if everyone actually has a favorite charity. If we don’t, maybe we should.

When our Aunt Agnes died (here being worshiped by our dog Toby), her will actually listed 17 favorite charities, with her estate divided accordingly. She was a practical example of generosity, but the importance of her big-heartedness didn’t end there. All giving brings pleasure to God, and hers surely did. But he isn’t necessarily looking for 17 favorite charities or even for big gifts. After all, he highlighted “the widow’s mite” in Scripture as a stunning example of good giving.

I think his main point was the woman’s attitude. Despite having little, she still gave. A question for all of us then is, how happily do we separate ourselves from the effort, money, or time we consider to be “ours”?

From personal experience I know this can be a lesson that resists learning, but if we’re stingy, maybe our hearts aren’t in a right place with God. If we give easily and joyfully, we know God is pleased. We also get the fun of “more blessed to give than receive.”

Recently I’ve become acquainted with an organization that exists to “advance research, support patients, and create hope for those affected by pancreatic cancer.” Although I’ve known about this group and others since Nate died of pancreatic in 2009, I’ve never done anything to help. It took Mary’s diagnosis, piled atop my husband’s, to motivate me.

Her children took the initiative, urging our extended family to sign up for an April 26th 5K walk/run in Chicago that’s all about pancreatic cancer. Though my last “race” was probably in the 1950’s, I’m good-to-go for this one, at least the family-friendly walking part.

Mary and Bervin’s home church (Moody) did some organizing, too, and put together a team of runners/walkers with a fabulous name: “Marchers for Mary.” Mary said, “I’d like to be there in some form or fashion. We’ll see. It continues to astound me the way people are giving and sharing, all because of my cancer. I just can’t get over it.”

Maybe this isn’t so much about “a favorite charity” as about Mary being our “favorite pancreatic cancer patient” right now. And even if she doesn’t feel up to the 5K walk, her testimony of God’s sufficiency through this life-and-death crisis is really the greater gift.

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)

Mary’s Prayer Requests 

1. For a sign from God to know which hospital/medical team to use for chemotherapy
2. Mary requests that she “soak up” the powerful reality of the Easter story this weekend
3. Praise she was able to return to the church ministry “Mom to Mom” this morning and do her part
4. Praise for encouragement from the 5K team, “Marchers for Mary”