To all the rich of this world, I command you not to be wrapped in thoughts of pride over your prosperity, or rely on your wealth, for your riches are unreliable and nothing compared to the living God. Trust instead in the one who has lavished upon us all good things, fulfilling our every need. Remind the wealthy to be rich in good works of extravagant generosity, willing to share with others.

1 Timothy 6:17-18 (TPT)

You have often heard this quote: “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”

Now add this one to your collection: “Acknowledging you are rich is first getting a proper perspective of the world.”

It’s all about your point of view.

Most of you reading this blog are truly the “rich of this world.” You live in a safe, warm home with a few nice pieces of furniture and decorations. You have excess in at least one area of your life (clothes, shoes, jewelry, lip gloss, coffee mugs, books, food…). You don’t break the bank when you drive through Starbucks for your latte macchiato. And you have a little leeway in your monthly budget. Still not convinced? Check out this story.

So what are Paul’s instructions for us?

  •       Don’t be prideful in what you have.
  •       Don’t depend on your money.
  •       What you own is unreliable.
  •       Trust only in God’s wealth.
  •       Be rich in extravagant generosity.
  •       Be willing to share with others.

The Single Moms Retreat is a wonderful opportunity for each of us to be rich in good works of extravagant generosity.

What can you share with the single moms that will be attending?

Your time. Your excess. Your money. Your influence.

For the past four years, I have purged my closet of any clothing item I had not worn that previous year and donated it to the Diva Boutique. This is a shopping extravaganza for each single mom attending the retreat.

There is such a freedom that comes to your soul when you look at your empty closet and then at the bags of clothing ready for someone else to give them life. Each year I sensed the blessing of treasures and the experience of true life.

“By doing this (extravagant generosity) you will be storing up your treasure as a good foundation for the future, so you may experience true life” (1 Timothy 6:19, NLT).

This year, the Diva Boutique doesn’t need as many clothing items due to generous donations from retailers, so I sorted through my excess of jewelry instead. I found necklaces, bracelets, and earrings that had not been worn for years stuffed into various places in my room. I also found precious pieces that I had completely forgotten about. I kept the jewelry that held meaning and memories for me and, even after purging, I have plenty.

There is a contentment that comes with creating space in your life. You see it physically as you discard the excess out of your closets, drawers, and cupboards, but you also experience it in your soul. The external empty places reflect the internal space you have created for God to fill.

How will you be rich in extravagant generosity for a single mom?

To find more information about the retreat, how to volunteer at the event, or the various ways you can give to the Single Moms Retreat, go to https://mnbtg.org/retreat/