My dear friend and sister in Christ, Patty Bonds, is a single mother who has had a very rough few years since she converted to the Catholic Church from Protestantism. Coming from a virulently anti-Catholic background (overcoming those religious prejudices was a gargantuan task in itself), when she became Catholic, some in her family simply turned their backs on her. But Patty loves the Truth more than mere human respect, and she has faithfully trusted in Christ's promise to all who love Him:
“He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and he who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 10:37-39).
Patty trusts in the Lord's will for her life, even as she has struggled to overcome a series of difficult financial setbacks in recent months. She works for a relatively low-paying public service job in Arizona, which provides a modest income that one person could manage to live frugally on, but Patty has also been very generous in supporting other family members who have turned to her in their times of need, which means that she's in a difficult spot right now with some pressing bills she really needs to pay. Among other things, her ancient used car just went kaput, and she needs to find a way to raise the money to get it repaired.
I know Patty personally. I can vouch for her. And I can assure you that any donation you can make to help her out, be it large or small, will help her get through this difficult time.
If you can help, please go to her blog and click the PayPal button on the right side to make a donation. $10, $20, $50, $100? No amount is too small, of course, and no amount is too large, either. If you're in a position to be really generous with funds God has blessed you with, please do so and give what you can. Above all, please keep Patty in your prayers.
“The point is this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good work. As it is written, ‘He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures for ever.’
“He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your resources and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for great generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God; for the rendering of this service not only supplies the wants of the saints but also overflows in many thanksgivings to God. Under the test of this service, you will glorify God by your obedience in acknowledging the gospel of Christ, and by the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others” (2 Corinthians 9:6-14)
