Christmas Miracle

I have earlier linked to Debi Faris' wonderful site Strengthen the Good, whose intent is "to raise awareness of 'micro charities'--charitable opportunities that are simple, personal, non-bureaucratic, and inspiring."

The latest news from this front is that Debi and her husband Steve "have won a $27 million jackpot in the California lottery. Debi Faris-Cifelli and her husband, Steve, won the jackpot last Wednesday and plan to use the winnings to continue their advocacy work, possibly by starting a college scholarship fund. 'We can do some good with the money,' Steve Cifelli, a high school guidance counselor, told television station KABC on Monday. 'Now we're going to be able to do some things that'll last lifetimes, generations.'" (hat tip to Michelle Malkin!)

I am very happy for Debi and know that the money will be used to bless the lives of many many people, not the least of whom will be those of us who are inspired by her courage and compassion to further our own efforts in doing good in a weary world.

As a Latter-day Saint, however, I have to stop for just a second. If that had been a Latter-day Saint who won the money, well...uh oh. We'd be in big trouble, eh? Can't pay tithing on lottery winnings, because we aren't supposed to gamble. And if we aren't and can't ever be again full tithe payers, well, you already know the rest. Just made me pause to think about this. This does in no way detract from my feeling that this is a Christmas miracle, and to wish this truly charitable family the absolute best. Just makes me think about how the Lord has many people in this same fight, and how we all serve in sometimes different ways.... (Comments welcome!)