Undeserved

"Someone said you needed help - Don't Delete"

That was the subject line of the email. Oh, how many times we've gotten emails promising "help" if we'll just fork over our social security number or address. Todd, for some reason, gets quite a bit of them and he's begun a little game by reading them and seeing what they promise.

He forwarded the email to me and I received it on my phone...as I'm trying to negotiate (badly) downtown Charlotte traffic.

"I heard through a mutual friend that your family is having a rough time. That person and I choose to remain anonymous."

This is so not starting out like the other emails. The anonymity of it is sort of similar...but now they're talking about some pretty private stuff. I missed my turn.

"But I've been in your situation and know how hard it can be. Someone once helped me & wouldn't let me pay them back. They asked me to pay it forward."

Okay, I've heard about "pay it forward" deals. I think the first time I heard it was in Chick Fil A. There was a long line around the drive through and when I finally reached the window, the cashier explained that my meal had been paid for with the only instructions from the donor was to pay it forward. The long line was from her having to explain to each car about the gift because once received, they immediately paid for the meal behind them. I missed another turn. My GPS was not happy with me.

"So that's what I'm doing. I was looking for a family that could really use the help like I once did and a friend suggested you and gave me your information."

At this point, I'm shaking. Surely not. We don't deserve this kind of gift. Surely there are strings attached...surely this is some sort of scam! I missed another turn but at this point, don't care.

"I sent you [an amount I won't disclose but that's more than I would even have prayed for] via Western Union. Through the information I received from your friend, I sent it to Michael Todd Shore. I hope that is correct. You need your licence to pick it up at any Western Union location and the control # which is [withheld from this blog]. I hope this helps your family. Love, Susie Helperouter :-)"

I don't remember the next few minutes very well. I was driving and my GPS was yelling at me but I was completely ignoring it. I hit the speed dial on my phone and called Todd.

Wouldn't it be really mean if I said right here it was a scam or cruel joke? Just making sure I have you hooked...

I asked Todd if he thought it was a scam. He said no. I asked him if someone really sent us [the amount] and he said he knew they did. I shook my head and asked how. He said, "I went to Western Union. It's legit."

WHAT!?

If you're reading this blog, you're one of our most trusted friends. But we've held our situation pretty close to the vest. I can't begin to imagine who would know enough to tell someone we've been struggling. And of that pool, those who know Todd's full name are even fewer.

To try and figure out who knew and said something, in my opinion, cheapens the gift. Even still being in shock, I know that much.

My immediate response is thank you. If you were the "friend" or even the donor, know that you have helped more than you could possibly know. And if none of you are either, I pray that this story will be a reminder to you of God's grace, His provisions and how very much He loves us - even though we don't deserve it.