John C. Stubbs, a former boss of the author, had a profound impact on her views of generosity and charity. He adopted a family one Christmas, filling their home with presents and food. The author also remembers him supporting her after her grandmother's death. These memories have stayed with her for over 15 years and given her strong opinions about helping those in need, as she feels blessed to have never struggled herself. She encourages giving money, time, or kindness wherever possible, as small acts can brighten someone's day, and true wealth is not measured by possessions but by living virtuously and thinking of others.

1. Personal Reflections on a Saturday Morning
Ladies, I do not know if you have the same habits as I do, but I typically wake up super early.
I have done this for years because when my daughter was younger this was Mommy’s quiet
time. I drink my coffee, and I have just a little bit of me time. As the years have gone on, and
my daughter has grown older, I still use this as “my time”. Today, I pondered Christmas, as well
as, generosity because the other day my daughter saw a homeless man by Starbucks. I was not
going to stop because I did not have any cash on hand in my car. She said “No mom I have
money in my backpack.” We stopped, and she rolled down the window and gave the gentleman
her own money. I was proud to see my daughter do what I had always done when I had the cash
with me. We lived in Houston for five years, and believe me ladies that is a city where you will
have your heart broken over all the homeless people. Then I wondered if people would have
their heart broken over that. Have we gotten so cynical in society today that we just naturally
assume people begging for money are fake? When I lived in Houston I made sure always to
carry cash every day in my car. It was impossible for me to pass up a homeless person and not
give them a dollar. Many people told me through the years that I was stupid for always giving to
the homeless because “those” people probably just did it to either get high, drunk or pay their
rent. However, it never stopped me from doing it, and watching my daughter imitate me brought
a smile to my heart. She did not stop to assume he was fake. She merely gave because she
could. I am not saying that you ladies should do the same because we all have our own
perspectives on this subject.
If you do not feel comfortable giving to the homeless then give to a charity. When you see
the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) stop and give them a few dollars. Better yet give them a
few dollars, and take time out of your day to thank them for their service to our country. When
you see the Salvation Army dancing a jig outside Wal-Mart give them your change. This brings
my thoughts back to Christmas. I have very strong opinions over this holiday. That may sound
strange to you ladies because you may not have “strong opinions” over this festive occasion.
When I was younger, I had a boss named John C. Stubbs, and to this day he is still one of the
men I whole-heartedly respect and admire. Mr. Stubbs was a generous man with a kind heart
and soul. A memory that has stuck with me was a Christmas that Mr. Stubbs adopted a family at
Christmas. I and two other employees went to Wal-Mart and filled up buggies for this family.
We wrapped the presents, and then we waited. One day a few weeks before Christmas, Mr.
Stubbs donned a Santa hat, and we all loaded up in his suburban. We drove to a home that was
in a housing complex, and we all piled out to go and deliver the presents and food to the family.
To this day, I still remember the look in Mr. Stubbs’ eyes when this gentle giant of a man stood
in their tiny living room watching the kids and parents. Just to make you understand what kind
of man Mr. Stubbs was here is another memory. My grandparents raised me, and while I was
still working for Mr. Stubbs my grandmother passed away. I was devastated because she was the
woman that raised me, and she might as well have been my mother. I loved her deeply, and I
was lost when she passed away. I was standing in the cemetery right before it was time to bury
my grandmother, and I remember seeing Mr. Stubbs get out of his vehicle. Ladies, he did not
know my grandmother. All he knew is that she was precious to me, and he made sure to take
time out of his day to support me in my time of need. For that, I have been forever grateful.

2. Ladies, these events occurred well over 15 years ago, and they are memories I have kept and
cherished since then. In fact, these are memories that will live a lifetime with me, and they are
memories that also give me “strong opinions” about Christmas and generosity to others. These
are memories that always remind me to give to those in need because I am blessed to have never
gone to bed hungry or cold. I am blessed to have always had nice, clean clothes and a roof over
my head. I am blessed that I was able to give the same to my daughter. I am blessed in so many
ways that it seems only proper to give to those that have struggled much more than I. I
encourage all of you that are financially able to give to people in need. Furthermore, if you are
not financially able to give to others then that is nothing to be ashamed of. Give your time.
Time is free, and time will give others joy. Call a nursing home and ask to volunteer to read to
the elderly. Call a pet shelter and ask to volunteer because animals need kindness as well. When
you see someone that may struggle with a door or a cart at the store, take time to help them.
Take the time to thank people during the day or engage others in conversations. Even when you
are grumpy, put a smile on your face and it will make others smile. We do not have to live
perfect lives or have money to burn to brighten someone else’s day. We do not have to choose to
only be generous and kind at Christmas because you can make others happy 365 days of the
year.
Final thought: I have always donated money and time to help many causes, and I truly
believe it is because of the generosity I witnessed John C. Stubbs do in the few years I knew him.
I admit that part of the reason I give is for the feeling it gives me. It somehow lightens my heart,
and it brings me peace of mind. I suppose that is selfish in a way, but that is okay in my book. I
would rather be this way than the type of the selfish person that only thinks of themselves. In the
end, what good does it do only to want for yourself and never think of another human? Sure,
you may own more “stuff” than another person, but in the end you do not take “stuff” to the
grave with you. Live a virtuous life, honor your elders, think of your fellow man. This will
allow you to do die with a peaceful soul and heart, and this is the “stuff” that means something in
life.