I was nine years old and the depression was still in full force. We came from Alabama and settled in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania in a little row home, which my father managed to rent. It was getting near Christmas and my dear dad had nothing to spend for Christmas for his five children ages 1 to 9. In desperation, he went to the bank to try to persuade them that he was a safe risk for a small loan. He explained his predicament, no job, no collateral, and 5 small children with Christmas approaching.As he should have known, the banker would have to decline his request, but he had an alternative offer for my dad to consider. He explained that if dad could postpone celebrating Christmas a day or two, the children wouldn't know it and everything would be reduced in the stores. Then he would only need half the amount he was requesting. He said if this was agreeable, he would approve the loan for a smaller amount.
Of course, my dad gratefully accepted his offer. That Christmas eve, after we were all in bed, the downstairs front door sprung open. There was a lot of noise and my father rushed down the stairs to see what was happening. I followed a few minutes later and saw him sitting on that bottom step with his head in his hands. I couldn't understand why he was weeping.
When I reached the bottom step, I could see no one in the hallway, but the hall was lined with boxes. There were boxes of food, clothing, and candy. There was a riding fire engine and a four-foot folding white paneled dollhouse. We didn't belong to a church and the friends we had were as poor as we were. My dad returned to the bank to repay the loan. The banker surprised my dad by telling him that there was no record of this loan.
I only understood that Christmas experience years later when Jesus became my Lord and Savior. How blessed some of us are to see God’s love working in and through His children. John 3:16 is where this love story begins and those unknown servants were practicing 1 John 3:16. "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters."
13 comments
Jeff Lau
Thank you for sharing your Dad’s experience.
His friendship was genuinely a treasure. He turned many difficulties into tremendous victories—not taking any credit himself, but giving Glory to God. Blessings to all.
Joe
Tracey
Wow! What a beautiful story of Christmas Love. Thank you for sharing this. Warmest wishes to you this holiday season. Merry Christmas!
Joe
Jeff Lau
Thank you for sharing your Dad’s experience.
His friendship was genuinely a treasure. He turned many difficulties into tremendous victories—not taking any credit himself, but giving Glory to God. Blessings to all.
jeremy
I have seen time and again understandable miracles happen in my life, so yes, I do know this is true. “Right now, we see as if we are looking in a mirror-we can only see in part. But then, on the other side of eternity, we will know in full.”—-The Bible
“Savior, that you for the birth of Jesus, thank you for every day I have on earth and all the miracles and blessing you give to me. I know you are my Savior and there is none before you.”
Tony Ciaverelli
My heart was brought to tears, what a beautiful true story of Christian Love. All those experiences are what helped to build a foundation of faith and grace in your family Tracey. It is truly a gift from God that dwells within you. Merry Christmas 😇
Elaine Mallios
That was amazing! My friend Charlie was a great man. He always had such amazing stories to tell.
Shirley Barnes
Thank you for sharing this uplifting story.
MIKE TOOKE
Merry Christmas Tracy!
I have had the pleasure of ordering from you several times in the previous years and one of my bucket list items has to actually get to meet you before my time comes.
I had the very fortunate opportunity to meet briefly with your father during one of his many seminars and I was able to bulk purchase a variety of books at a greatly discounted price.
Took me several years, I’m embarrassed to say, before I got them all read. But his book titled books are tremendous is one of my favorites that I’ve reread several times.
While your father’s time has come and gone, his memory and contributions continue to inspire myself and others.It is now your time Tracy, and the personal notes you have been kind enough to send me with my various orders have really boosted me and definitely proves that you are your father’s daughter.
I hope 2020 brings you good health, happiness, and prosperity as you continue your path.of personal achievements by outgrowing your father’s shadow and by helping others achieve theirs.
Continued success,
MikeTooke
Don Green
I loved Charlie and your mom Gloria. Spent time with them and loved time I spent with them including Frankfurt Book Fair. Have a blessed Christmas
Keith Hooper
Thank you for thses stroy. Your dad was TREMENDOUS in so may ways. Glad to see you have him within you!
Drew Fine
Fabulous story. Thank you for sharing that Tracey! Merry Christmas!
Drew
Bill Kolovani
Tracey, so glad I got to know you and your dad! OMW, I’ll never forget when he and your mother came and spent the night with me in Lebanon and participated in our guys Tuesday morning group! What a blessing he’s been to thousands, probably millions of people with his entertaining kick and positive attitude… and the apple didn’t fall far from the tree with you!
Tammy Crouse
Tracey, this brought tears to my eyes! God surely worked through that banker to show love to another family. God Bless that banker for knowing our Lord and for recognizing his call to help, God bless your father for sharing that story with you, and God bless you for passing on to all your readers. I’m so very thankful that I got to meet you at the Go Red luncheon last year. I truly am happy to know you. Merry Christmas Tracey. I hope to see you again soon!
~Tammy