This was the time for some genuine positive input to come around.

It was then that my great-grandma took control. She said, “You have to stop thinking so negatively. It’s not what you don’t have; it’s what you do have. And what you have is a scholarship, the ability to work hard, and a God that will provide the rest. Quit worrying about the rest. It’ll come. Just go to college and work hard. Everything else will fall into place.”

And then she took her wrinkled hands that had labored for 83 years, hands that had cradled 13 children, and dug into the folds of her long skirt, withdrawing from her pocket a five- dollar bill. She tucked the bill into Dad’s shirt pocket. “You take this five dollars. It’s all I have. But with this, and faith in the Almighty, all your needs will be provided for. I’m sure of it.” She had faith in God, and in Dad’s abilities.

With nothing but the clothes on his back and a five-dollar bill in his pocket, Dad set out on the road to his future, leaving his childhood home behind him forever. He hitchhiked 230 miles. Throughout his four years at Carleton he worked as a dishwasher in a restaurant and eventually married the owner’s daughter, my mother. He graduated in 1936, having studied zoology and chemistry, and then became a science teacher.

Great-grandma died in 1939 at the age of 90. Her faith never wavered. She didn’t need money to know the Great Provider will meet our needs even during difficult times as long as we fulfill our tasks and keep moving forward.

Faith and five dollars was all my great-grandmother needed. During tough times, I hope I will always remember that God will provide for those who don’t give up. Just

like my great-grandmother believed. —sankyscorner.com (concluded)