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"In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." (James 2:17 NIV)
I was a young man finishing up my teaching degree at college. I was driving to a high school to do my student teaching in my 20 year old car. To say it was a piece of junk would be an understatement. It had broken down several times and my Dad had tried to fix it. Still, it burned oil, backfired, and got about 5 miles to a gallon of gas. It had also had flat tires more than once so I had a jack, a crowbar, and a spare in my trunk ready to go. It was all I could afford, though, so I prayed to God as I drove along that it would last one more day.
As I drove down the interstate on the way to the school I noticed something up ahead on the other side of the four lane road. It was a car parked to the side. As I got closer I noticed that it had a flat tire. An elderly lady was standing next to it, not knowing what to do. I knew I would be late for classes but decided to turn at the next exit, head back to her, and help. It took about five minutes but I made the turn. I was almost back when I saw two pick-up trucks parked in front and back of the car. One man in a flannel shirt was already jacking up the car while another burly looking man was talking to the old lady and holding her hand like he was her own grandson. I slowed, pulled up, and asked if they needed any help. The lady said, “No thanks dear. These wonderful gentlemen are taking care of it.” I waved and drove on to another exit to turn back onto my lane. But as I did I noticed that there was a smile on my face and a happiness in my heart. It felt good knowing there were still so many good people out there.
Looking back on this reminds me that Faith isn’t just what you believe. It is what you do. Love isn’t just how you feel. It is how you act. May all of your days be full of faith and love then. May all of your days be filled with acts of kindness. May you always live as a good person and a wonderful Child of God.
"But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds. Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds." (James 2:18 NIV)
Joseph J. Mazzella
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