It had been difficult for her family back in the 1960’s. Thus she arranged a part-time job at $20 per night to share her bed with strangers; she would receive enough money to feed her three children. But her world came crashing down on her when she found out she was pregnant with her fourth.

She sought out her former English teacher who had befriended her back in high school. This lady would be able to pay for doctor bills and medication. When the baby was born, this young mother told her teacher, “I do not want this child. He is not worth the twenty dollars I received. You take him.” So this baby, Reggie Dabbs, was raised by an English teacher who had a wonderful heart for the students she taught in school.

Reggie Dabbs grew up like many other American boys but he did not know his father and seldom saw his mother. The English teacher took good care of him but deep down, Reggie realized who he was: he was not worth a twenty dollar bill. This hurt, making him unhappy and depressed.

But then, something happened to Reggie. He came to realize that even though he may not have been worth $20, there was a Person who could change him and make him worth more than he could imagine. This Person transformed him beyond his imagination. Just as this English teacher adopted him, this Jesus would adopt Reggie and allow him to be part of a wonderful beginning–an amazing career in speaking at schools everywhere. He writes:

“I speak in public schools almost every day of the school year. They call me a motivational speaker, but what I really do is shine my light. Every time I speak, every time I make kids laugh, I see someone who can’t smile. I see someone who is not happy, who needs love. That is exactly what your light is. It is the love of God shining through you, literally lighting up your school. So don’t hate school. Look at it like this: The school is your mission field and God gave your school to you so they could see the light, so they can feel the love.

Think about this, out of all the students in your school, He chose you to share Christ with them. (John 17:20-23) So stand up, light your lantern, and LET IT SHINE!”

Reggie Dabbs, worth less than a 20-dollar bill, had the misfortune of not knowing his parents. But he decided to follow the Light and LET IT SHINE in the thousands of schools he visits. He enables students and friends to become aware that they are worth considerably more in the eyes of God.

Yes, God has paid a price for you and I when He allowed His only Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for our sins. Jesus did not just die for those who are born in well-to-do families but He died for the worthless and poor, even for those who are the product of ‘botched’ abortions. And then He arose again. It really makes so much sense to follow Him! Could I welcome YOU into the family of God?

Author unknown. If anyone has a proprietary interest in this story please authenticate and I will be happy to credit, or remove, as the circumstances dictate.

Thanks to Daily Wisdom Majordomo@gospelcom.net