Kenny's Korner - The Discarded Penny

Hello everyone. I hope you all have been doing well since the last article and the Lord has blessed you beyond measure. I’m very excited to share this story with you, when God really helped me see things in a different light.

It started with a trip to a convenience store. I purchased a few things and headed out the door. As I was walking toward my truck I noticed a penny on the ground. It was pretty beat up and dirty, and even worse, it was on tails. (I was always told not to pick one up on tails because it was bad luck). I thought twice about it but then decided, it was money anyway, so I grabbed it and put it in my console with some other change.

As I cranked my truck to leave, I paused. God had put so many thoughts in my head all at once about that penny.

First, how many people walked by without seeing it or giving it a second thought. Secondly, why didn’t anyone see value in it enough to pick it up.

My simple mind was only thinking, “Man, if I could find four more I’d have a nickel.” But then the Lord took me deeper. He helped me to see a similarity with this penny, and this is what I want to share with you today.

I wondered... how many people must feel just like the penny on the ground. Discarded, lonely, no value, or self worth. How many times have they been stepped on or stepped over because no one saw their potential? At first, I only saw the monetary value, but God showed me much more than that.

God created each and every one of us in His image, with pride, care, and love. He expects us to find value in ourselves, spiritually, mentally, and physically. In 1st Corinthians 3:16 it says, “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temples and that God’s spirit dwells in your midst.”

We are born into a fallen world of sin and we are flawed from the beginning, but

the love and grace of God shows us right from wrong. To truly understand how to love

ourselves and each other, we must learn from the God who created it all.

On January 19th, 1981 in Los Angeles, California, Muhammed Ali (Cassius Clay), helped to talk a 21 year old man, whose name was only listed as “Joe”, off of a building ledge. He was a war veteran and was having a medical issue and was intent on jumping to end his life. Ali’s best friend, Howard Bingham, was there watching all of this unfold, and called Ali to come and assist. Ali showed up in his Rolls Royce with hazard lights flashing. He hurried out of the car, ran, and climbed to an adjacent window, shouting to the man, “You’re my brother and I love you!” After hearing Ali’s voice, Joe allowed him to step out on the fire escape, and after a 20 minute conversation, he was brought back inside the building by Ali.

That day, a famous boxer found and saw the value in that young man. Enough to save his life and take him to receive treatment at a local hospital. Ali also promised to keep in touch and said he would come back to visit often.

Everyone of us is valuable in the eyes of God. We all have potential, self worth, honor, and respect. In Matthew 18: 12-14, Jesus tells a parable of a shepherd leaving his ninety nine sheep to go out and find the lost “one”. God shows how much love he has for just one of us that is lost, that He rejoices over a single repentant soul.

If you ever feel like that penny on the ground that no one wants, God will show you what you are worth. And when you think that no one can see you, know that He does, and He can make your life so much better if you just trust and follow Him. God is always with you. And, if you ever see a “discarded penny” in your day to day travels, take the time to pick it up. You never know what story it may have to tell.

I’ll leave you with this scripture; Isaiah 41: 10-13, Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Behold all who are incensed against you shall be put to shame and confounded; those who strive against you shall be as nothing and shall perish.

Until next time, May the Lord bless you. Love you all.

-Kenny