Oseola McCarty, from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, was what people called a wash-woman. She washed people’s clothes for a living. She never had any children, only a sixth grade education, never owned a car, watched a black and white television and lived in a house bequeathed to her by her uncle in the 1940’s. Mrs. McCarty’s claim to fame was her ability to live humbly, save prolifically and give extravagantly. She used slips of paper and dimes, to represent 10% giving. One dime (10%) for her church, one dime (10%) each for three relatives, and the remaining dimes (60%) for Southern Mississippi University. The money given to the university was given for scholarships for financially needy African American students.

God gives us financial resources to be used for His glory and for His work on earth. Yes, we are blessed to enjoy a portion of the resources, but not to be selfishly consumed, or thrown away. Our reward is from the help we give and the thanksgiving that goes to God for our faithfulness and obedience. When others learned about Mrs. McCarty’s gift’s they started an endowment in her name. By some reports her personal financial gift was over $150,000!

Father, in the name of Jesus, help us to see the benefits of blessing through giving. Today, we are thankful for the Oseola McCarty’s in our lives who teach us about legacy giving beyond our lifetimes. That it truly is more blessed to give than to receive.

Shalom

Pastor Smith