To Encourage the Downcast Housewife

LOC: Praying at the First Wesleyan Methodist Church, Washington, D.C., 1943.

 

It is dark outside, but cozy and warm in our house. Everyone is home and they are quiet. I have had such a blessed day. I want to encourage all of you who are suffering right now.

One day last week, I took my selfish 'self' to the supermarket. I only had enough money to buy one item. I looked around a little and had tears in my eyes because I could not buy anything else. There were so many things I wanted - frozen pizza, cookies, crackers, fruit, juice. But I didn't have any money so I began to cry. I had to straighten myself up and hold my head up and get out of there.

I have enough. I am okay. But it was hard to go without those little extras, those treats that make life more pleasant.

Then a few nights went by and a package arrived. It was a food box from our church. (How did they know?) I was praising God and so grateful that He answers our prayers.

This morning was very hard. Because of the Christmas holiday, Mr. White was supposed to get his paycheck a day early. But it didn't arrive on time. It is Thursday and the banks were closing at 1 p.m. They would not re-open until Monday. So even if he did get his check later, we would have no money until Monday. That was not okay. We were running out of food.

(The other day, my son asked me if we had any hot chocolate. I smiled and laughed and tried to make him happy. I said, "only rich people have hot chocolate. But we have plenty of Lipton tea." We made a joke about it. It was a treat and we just didn't have the money for it.)

Everyday I have been sending someone to the post office, hoping and praying there would miraculously be a check from somewhere so we could buy some extra food. But nothing came. I kept praying and trusting God. I knew he would provide, somehow.

This morning, Mr. White had fallen asleep. He was exhausted and in pain. He was not able to get his paycheck. Well, I had to take one of the children to an eye appointment. I had $10 to put in the gas tank and $8 to buy milk and bread. I got home and realized I was going to have to take some of our mortgage money out of the bank to buy groceries to get by until Monday. But just one last time, I asked my son to check the mail. He came back with a stack of things. In that pile, was a little card with a return address, but no name. I opened up the card and there was money inside. The note simply said, "Blessings from a friend." Tears welled up in my eyes. I gathered the children around and thanked God!!!!!

We went grocery shopping. I was smiling, content and happy as I selected our food. I bought milk and meat and bread. I bought cheese and ingredients to make a couple of our favorite suppers. I even bought some hot chocolate. I cannot tell you how grateful I am for that person, whoever it was that has blessed us so very much. I cannot thank you enough, but I pray that God gives you back "ten-fold."

Tonight, there is food in our house and we are greatly blessed. Things are getting better. Our crisis is only temporary and will improve in a couple of weeks.

I pray you are all doing well and have great faith in the miracles of our dear Lord.

Blessings
Mrs. White

 

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