Bailey and her Easter money
Over the last month I’ve gotten several emails from readers asking me about my note from last month when I gave the grandkids each $50. It was a last minute idea and that $50 came with two stipulations. 1.They had to give the money away and 2. They had to tell me who they gave it to and why. To be honest, I expected there to be a lot of groaning and complaining and was surprised when they all showed enthusiasm for the idea. The majority gave the money to World Vision knowing the organization would make good use of it. Bailey, my 17 year old granddaughter decided to give it to a homeless teenager who attends her high school. This is part of what she wrote me: “I told John (not his real name) the story how you gave us $50 and what you wanted us to do with it. John started to cry when he realized what I was doing when I handed him the money. Then I started to cry as we hugged and prayed together. I felt this overwhelming sense of love while we prayed. Thank you so much Grandma for giving me this opportunity to help someone in a way I would never have thought of.” I was deeply touched by Bailey’s note and I know the other grandkids put a lot of heart into their decision. And to think, it was just an idea I thought of at the last minute.
May 28th, 2016 at 11:59 am
I love your books Debbie! That was such a great thing you did for the children. Teaching them to share with others! You are a beautiful person!
May 28th, 2016 at 1:55 pm
Someone has done an excellent job of instilling values in their children….so proud …especially these days .bless you and your family
May 29th, 2016 at 4:08 pm
What a wonderful thing to do for both your grand children and the recipients of the gift. It will continue to enrich their lives long after they have given the money away. Thank you so much for the wonderful gift of love Debbie.
May 29th, 2016 at 4:08 pm
God is awesome. He works through all of us. Thank you for your gift so others may receive the blessing. God bless you.
May 29th, 2016 at 4:10 pm
What a fantastic idea. As soon as my grandchildren are old enough I am going to do the same thing. Congratulations to Bailey for what she did with her money. She made a memory she will never forget.
May 29th, 2016 at 4:11 pm
What a great idea, Debbie…this helped your grandchildren think outside of themselves. If they’d been given $50 for themselves, it would not even be a memory. Your sweet granddaughter will never forget this and I’m betting will think of other ways to help John or others like him.
The gift she gave to John wasn’t just money…she gave him self worth…and caring…and hope.
May 29th, 2016 at 4:12 pm
Bailey you are a great person with a huge heart and obviously got it from your Grandma ?
What a beautiful gesture you did for your fellow student. Not many would have done what you did. You have learned great values .
May 29th, 2016 at 4:12 pm
I love this idea you have done with your grandkids! Although, mine are 7, 4, and 10 months. I really love this idea, and allowing them to think of others less fortunate. I am going to keep this on the back burner for future reference. Thanks for sharing this idea and your granddaughters response.
May 29th, 2016 at 4:13 pm
Sometimes the last minute ideas are the best. You raised great kids which they raised their own kids well and taught them good. What goes around comes around this works in good ways too
May 29th, 2016 at 4:15 pm
God Bless you and your grandchildren. It appears there is a lot of love and goodness flowing in their lives.
May 29th, 2016 at 4:16 pm
It was such a wonderful idea what you did with your grandchildren. I wish that I would have an much luck with my children learning that not everyone is as blessed as we are. Your books have helped me make it through some pretty hard struggles and I pray that it is not too late to make my children understand the importance of helping others. I am a single mother who also looks after my mother. I work full-time and volunteer as a firefighter/emt. It is my way of helping and giving back to my small community and showing my children the importance of helping others and not expecting payment. God bless you and your family!
May 29th, 2016 at 4:21 pm
I meant it, for your kids to learn graciousness they had to learn it from you. It is obviously something they in turn taught there children. Goes to show a person that there is Angels Among Us. It is nice to see and actually helps restore my faith in human kind
May 29th, 2016 at 4:21 pm
What a wonderful granddaughter you have. That was such a thoughtful way to use her money. I know you are very proud of her and all of your grandchildren for their unselfishness and kindness they bestowed upon others.
May 29th, 2016 at 4:22 pm
You have inspired me even more. I hated to read because I have a hard time understanding when I read but your books are wonderful and I love to read them. And now your helping me with ideas for my grsndbsbies. Thank you so much Debbie your wonderful.
May 29th, 2016 at 4:23 pm
Such a great idea! This moved me to tears. ???
May 29th, 2016 at 4:25 pm
Grandparents are such an important part of children’s lives. And your teaching your grandchildren to spread their love and resources to help those less fortunate is what will continue to make this world a better place.
Thanks
May 29th, 2016 at 4:31 pm
What an amazing granddaughter you have!!! You can be very proud of each and everyone of your grandchildren!
May 29th, 2016 at 4:39 pm
That is inspiring!! We need more stories like this for people to see there are wonderful people in our world today!
May 29th, 2016 at 4:44 pm
Thank you for sharing this empowering thought. This would be a tender lesson for anyone who is involved.
May 29th, 2016 at 4:48 pm
What a wonderful thing to do. An inspiration to all and an idea for grandparents and parents. Most of our children have enough and it would inspire them to be more understanding. It doesn’t have to be monetary just understanding and time spent with someone that is alone.
May 29th, 2016 at 4:52 pm
What wonderful children you must have to have raised your grandchildren to care for those less fortunate!
May 29th, 2016 at 4:54 pm
Thanks for a wonderful Idea, I will be doing this
May 29th, 2016 at 5:05 pm
This made me cry. Wonderful idea. Now if I only had a grandchild…
May 29th, 2016 at 5:21 pm
What a cool grandma. I’ll have to try that with my grandson.
May 29th, 2016 at 5:28 pm
What a sweet granddaughter you have. She received the best gift of all by
giving to others and how good it made her feel. Great idea…. Our family did something
similar at Christmas instead of gifts to each other…..Great idea Debbie
May 29th, 2016 at 5:28 pm
This is an awesome idea and great way to teach our families about caring for others and not just for ourselves. You are a great inspiration to everyone. I hope this true Act of Kindness will be passed on by others.
May 29th, 2016 at 5:29 pm
What a wonderful story. It makes me feel that kids do
Understand life of others.
May 29th, 2016 at 5:35 pm
What a wonderful way to help a friend who need some help. But wouldn’t have asked for help.We don’t realize that there are children going with out things in our schools.
May 29th, 2016 at 5:39 pm
What a beautiful heart and gift of service your daughter has. Thank you for sharing, it sounds like something I want to inspire my grandchildren to do when they get older. To me, we can get kids to make big splash statements of giving, like working in a prison ministry or a mission trip, but to get to the heart, where they truly understand the gift of giving, give them the option to do it. I love that you made your grandkids think about what to do instead of having it all laid out without big fanfare. You made it personal, you allowed your grand daughters character to shine. To me the big statements of ministry plant the seeds but what she did was really minister to her classmate.
May 29th, 2016 at 5:40 pm
Loved the idea of the Easter gift for the grandchildren. It teaches them to show love and thoughtfulness to others who are less fortunate. I am sure you are proud of all your grandchildren and appreciate you sharing Bailey’s story with us. She has a tender heart and was a blessing to the person she was able to share her gift with. Thank you Ms Debbie for sharing ideas with us. Continue to write and inspire us through your books and blog.
May 29th, 2016 at 5:40 pm
Not only do you write books that many of us read and enjoy, but a wonderful grandmother you are. You are teaching your grandbabies (teens) a valuable lesson on being charitable, and thinking of others, I, when mine were little, they are mothers or almost mothers now, we always filled shoeboxes for the shoebox campaign at Christmas, and they always thought of others before themselves. Keep up the good writing and the wonderful lessons.
May 29th, 2016 at 5:41 pm
Isn’t it wonderful how our grandchildren sometimes really surprise us and you realize how thoughtful and caring and concerned they really are! I know you are very grateful…..me too !
May 29th, 2016 at 5:41 pm
This was a great idea and brought tears to my eyes as I read. It was a benefit for sure to those who received the help, but it was a very valuable experience for your grandchildren to experience the feeling of “giving”. It is often times, so much more wonderful than the feeling of “getting”, and can shape the future of that child and the world that they live in.
May 29th, 2016 at 5:44 pm
That is a amazing idea . Wish there was a lot more people like that . When I was living in Florida I helped these homeless couple and there kids . I felt like that is what I need to do . Now the kids are older they come over and visit . The are just some people that just need a little help to get on there feet . I would do it again . And your grand daughter helping that boy out mint every thing to him .
May 29th, 2016 at 5:45 pm
What a great idea, I hope you don’t mind if I use this idea with my grandchildren. Thanks Deddie for all your great books, I love paying it forward in my life, love helping someone who is down and out. Love what Bailey did with her money.
May 29th, 2016 at 6:02 pm
What a nice way to help others that are in need.. I love to read your books… Not one of your books that I have read that I didn’t like… God Bless you and your family ??
May 29th, 2016 at 6:03 pm
I love this idea. And your granddaughter has learned a great lesson…how wonderful it feels to help another person. It is a lesson she would never learn in a book but one she will carry with her in life. More people need to learn to pay it forward. We need more of that in the world.
May 29th, 2016 at 6:06 pm
What a fantastic idea. My grandchildren are all adults but got six great grands that will be old enough soon that I can use this idea on.
May 29th, 2016 at 6:08 pm
God works in mysterious ways. Many teenagers are so caught up in their own lives that they don’t recognize the struggles their peers are going through.
May 29th, 2016 at 6:11 pm
Oh lord now I can’t stop crying. That was the most beautiful unselfish thing a person could do. I am glad you have such a wonderful granddaughter. <3
May 29th, 2016 at 6:11 pm
what a great idea
May 29th, 2016 at 6:27 pm
What a praise that Bailey was so sensitive to one she sees on a daily basis at school. Plus, that though you thought of it at the last minute, you were prompted I am sure from prayer, what a good idea would be and then you passed it onto us. Thank you Debbie for your faithfulness.
May 29th, 2016 at 6:28 pm
This is such a wonderful way to teach the importance to give to others. Share the abundance God has blessed us us with.
May 29th, 2016 at 6:34 pm
What a wonderful way to teach the importance of sharing the abundance God blesses us with.
May 29th, 2016 at 6:38 pm
What a wonderful story and a great lesson in sharing with those
Less fortunate. It showed the joy your granddaughter got
By sharing. I may use this with my grandchildren who are all teenagers
May 29th, 2016 at 6:54 pm
How I love this idea! I will definitely be copying you and can’t wait to hear the results. I love your books and have been reading them for so many years. Thanks, Debbie, for all the joy you deliver to this world. 🙂
May 29th, 2016 at 6:57 pm
What an inspiration!
May 29th, 2016 at 7:03 pm
That (last minute thought) could very well have been whispered in your heart by none other than GOD Himself!
May 29th, 2016 at 7:18 pm
Excellent life lesson! Wonderful actions on your and your granddaughter’s part. Now, I would like to pray that young man is given the oportunity of a job and to further his education or be taught a useful job skill so he can be successful in life. Well done.
May 29th, 2016 at 7:41 pm
What a truly wonderful thing that young lady did I know you are very proud of her.
May 29th, 2016 at 8:00 pm
What an inspiration you are on your children and grandchildren for them to do this. They have been raised by caring adults who have taught them well. Look forward to more stories.
May 29th, 2016 at 8:01 pm
For some years now, my kids give to some kind of cause for their Dad’s birthday and Christmas gifts. Has been fun to see what they come up with. My favorite was the year mt youngest wanted to buy dinner for a homeless person. We met someone by Stop and Shop. Matt asked them if they wanted something to eat. So we took him into the store and told him he could get whatever he wanted. He picked up a bag for fried chicken. Matt told him to get the bigger bag and asked what else he wanted. His response “Can I have cookies?” Matt told him he could so he picked up a package of oreos and wouldn’t take anything else. And when we left the store, he shared it with someone who was waiting for him. Oreos and chicken…to them it was a feast…to us a few dollars and a good feeling!
May 29th, 2016 at 8:13 pm
What a great lesson Bailey has learned. It is always better to Give than to receive!
She is going to grow up remembering this special time in her life and how it felt to help someone else.
Also to be as wise as her grandmother..GOD BLESS
May 29th, 2016 at 8:15 pm
You are an inspiration and a great example to your family and fans. Your granddaughter reflected that in her thoughts.
May 29th, 2016 at 8:42 pm
What a wonderful gift she gave. Both my grandsons are very compassionate and like you it makes me proud. After the high school was destroyed here by an EF 4 tornado with the loss of 8 students and an elementary school partially destroyed there were people from all over the country here to help. Students from high schools on spring break stopped here on their spring break before going to the beach and stayed several days cleaning up the ruble. All of this has made all the schools aware and they have passed it forward many times.
May 29th, 2016 at 8:42 pm
What a wonderful way to reach out to this young man. Your Granddaughter has a good heart.
I remember when I was in college there was a girl on my floor that would quietly give me money or a T-shirt for a special event. I never asked. but she knew there was a need. I still remember and I pray blessings for her every day.
May 29th, 2016 at 8:47 pm
That was a great thing for you to do Debbie to teach your grand children about helping others. And your granddaughter did a lovely and thoughtful thing for her homeless friend. Both will always remember this. Your granddaughter and her homeless friend.
May 29th, 2016 at 8:57 pm
Such a wonderful idea. You are one of my very favorite authors and your books are inspiring, so I am not at all surprised that you would think of this! Your granddaughter is a great role model for other young people! So kind, caring and thoughtful of others!! Your other grandchildren certainly used their money to help others also. They have all been taught Christian love! Thank you and her parents for that, Freida Hayes.
May 29th, 2016 at 9:05 pm
Oh Debbie how wonderful….This is something we should all do……..I have 15 grandkids and 25 great grandkids.
I am going to start thinking of doing this as the kids become old enough. Have three that at 13 now.
Good age I think………….
May 29th, 2016 at 9:16 pm
A very touching story! It gave me some great ideas. This is the lesson children everywhere need to learn.
May 29th, 2016 at 9:20 pm
Made me choke up when I read this. So good to know that there are teenagers that care!!!
May 29th, 2016 at 9:42 pm
My children were taught to help others. They used to shovel snow for our elderly neighbors & not charge them. They continue to help others unconditionally 30yrs later. It makes my day when I hear the things they do for others. Just as your grandchildren have done with your example.
May 29th, 2016 at 10:17 pm
God bless your granddaughter, Debbie. So happy when a teenager does a nice thing. You should be very proud of her.
May 29th, 2016 at 10:40 pm
Debbie, there are a couple things I would like to say about your story. I love that Bailey not only gave the money to “John”, but took the time to pray with him as well. Something too many teens are shy about doing. Bailey is beautiful inside and out! And you are wonderful as well, for giving your grandchildren the opportunity to give to others and learn about the joy of giving. Bravo for both of you!
May 29th, 2016 at 10:51 pm
You say it was a last minute thought, but I think you were just following what I like to call a ‘God Prompt’. I have had similar things happen when just out of nowhere a thought comes and I feel for lack of a better word, compelled to act. I have regretted not one of those prompts.
May 29th, 2016 at 11:55 pm
What a wonderful selfless act by a lovely teenager. Her compassion and insight to needs of others is awesome. She has had some good examples to teach her these things. So happy and so proud for your beautiful granddaughter.
May 30th, 2016 at 1:41 am
What a great idea she had and I can’t imagine how a high school student can be homeless and not be helped. What a wonderful idea you had in the first place. This would make the younger generation take notice of the less fortunate and how much help is needed. Great job Bailey!! John will be grateful for the rest of his life.
May 30th, 2016 at 2:11 am
Beautiful idea!!! Your granddaughter sounds like an amazing young lady….she has seen good examples!!
May 30th, 2016 at 2:27 am
Touched my heart so much! The Heart that Gives Gathers! Your granddaughter will gather!
May 30th, 2016 at 2:34 am
You have wonderful grandchildren and I know you are proud of all of them. What this tells me is that your parents raised you right and that you passed those lessons of life on to your children who passed them on to their children. There is hope for the future. Good job, Debbie!
May 30th, 2016 at 3:24 am
I was so touched by your thoughtfulness and your gram’s insight into using the money as a teaching moment. You are, Bailey, an inspiration to many with your generous spirit. The young man whom you gave the money to will, no doubt, remember your sweetness and open love for very very long time. Who knows, down the road, he may return your kindness tenfold in ways you can only imagine. Or, better yet, pay if forward and become a blessing himself, to others who may or may no be as fortunate as he. Thank you, Bailey, for being such an extension of your gram’s unique and gentle spirit!
May 30th, 2016 at 3:36 am
Very touching. I love that she didn’t embarrass him, and that they prayed together. What lovely grandchildren you have, and what a great idea. Very inspiring.
May 30th, 2016 at 4:15 am
And God says, “well done, my good and faithful daughter!”
May 30th, 2016 at 4:31 am
You have showed your grandchildren the true meaning of selflessness. This is something that none of them will ever forget. You will be that voice inside their head reminding them of their great deeds. God bless your last minute idea. Last minute ideas come from the angel inside us and usually always end in grace. You are very blessed, and so are your grandchildren. Thank you for sharing this story. Hopeful to see more selflessness from their generation and beyond. <3
May 30th, 2016 at 4:44 am
What a wonderful granddaughter Bailey is — your post left me in tears for the love it showed. She has her grandmother’s heart as do your other grandchildren. You can be very proud Debbie.
May 30th, 2016 at 6:06 am
Tell Bailey that not only what she did was a wonderful thing but the young man will never forget it and the Lord will bless her and that young man both. God bless you Debbie for sharing a life’s lesson with your grandchildren.
May 30th, 2016 at 7:14 am
What a great idea! They’ll remember the experience much longer than they will remember how many Easter Eggs they found! Can’t wait to see what great things they’ll all do in the coming year!
May 30th, 2016 at 9:50 am
This is an incredible life lesson for all of us. I used to have the ability to help people who are in a difficult situation and I would, I was more than happy to help with their groceries, laundry, yardwork, and such but I am the one needing the same. I hope that your granddaughters pay it forward continues on, and blessings to you and your family for Paying It Forward!
May 30th, 2016 at 11:01 am
You think it was a last minute idea that just came to you but it was God giving you the idea. So wonderful, you listened and then gave the grandkids an opportunity to also give. A wonderful learning experience for them. Especially for Bailey, Bless Her Heart!
May 30th, 2016 at 2:23 pm
What a wonderful idea for a Grandma to start her grandkids thinking about doing for others. First, they have to think about places they could give it and then actually give up the money and send it off or give it personally to someone. Sounds like you have awesome grandkids.
May 30th, 2016 at 2:51 pm
Dear DM, Bailey action is not a surprise. After meeting her years ago as a young girl & knowing you, Ted and all the other Macomber’s she comes from a long line of Loving & Caring family. This just shows the awesome job Ted has done as a Dad and awesome job you and Wayne have done as parent’s. WTG Bailey, by your sweet, loving & caring actions you’ve shown here, giving me hope again towards the young people who will come after me again. For this I Thank You & Your Family.
May 30th, 2016 at 4:05 pm
That was so wonderful of her to give her money to that young man! God Bless her and you for giving her that opportunity.
May 30th, 2016 at 7:20 pm
What a wonderful thing for your granddaughter to do. I’m sure this young man’s family can really use this money. I just hope and pray his family’s hardship comes to an end soon. No one deserves to be homeless — especially young people. I’m sure you are extremely proud. I must add, I think your other grandchildren took the easy way out even if the money will be put to good use.
May 30th, 2016 at 7:21 pm
Praise God for all your grandchildren for listened to God’s voice. I know God will multiply the monies many times over, in the lives that receive this gift.
Bailey, what a wonderful gift to that young man. He saw first hand the love of God. Thank you for show God’s love first hand in person.
May God richly bless all of you for you generosity.
May 30th, 2016 at 11:41 pm
It was not just “a last minute random thought”…your Angels were giving you the idea and you followed your instincts and did it. That was a very nice idea tho’ and it’s nice that your grandchildren have good hearts as well. I have always enjoyed your books and watched happily as they were turned into movies. Keep up the awesome work.
May 30th, 2016 at 11:42 pm
Beautiful.
My grandchildren donate some of their Christmas presents per their request, not their mom’s. They have also in the past bought items with their monies for our homeless shelter in downtown Nashville. Children are not as stingy as adults think!
May 31st, 2016 at 12:55 am
I’m very proud of her, know you are too
May 31st, 2016 at 2:48 am
You have imprinted generosity onto a willing soul. Her feelings of crying with him and praying too show good mothering from your daughter while we must acknowledge the good mothering you gave your daughter. A family I would have loved to come from!
May 31st, 2016 at 2:52 am
A story that left me crying!
May 31st, 2016 at 3:33 am
God bless your outstanding family!
Pat Cochran
May 31st, 2016 at 4:23 am
What a wonderful way to teach your grandchildren to pay it forward. Your granddaughter is awesome . . . just like her grandma. Hugs.
May 31st, 2016 at 6:06 am
Debbie what a wonderful idea. I am impressed with your granddaughter and her love and heart.
I have read all of your books and have met you here in Las Vegas twice.
You are a terrific person.
Hi to Wayne too.
Hugs?❤️Reina