humble – Peace LiLy

Sometimes, the smallest gifts carry the greatest meaning—and plant the seeds for something extraordinary.

In the late 1800s in Philadelphia, a little girl named Hattie May Wiatt was heartbroken. She loved attending Sunday school at Grace Baptist Church, led by Reverend Russell H. Conwell, but the room was too small to hold all the children who wanted to come. Some Sundays, children were turned away for lack of space. Hattie dreamed of a bigger Sunday school where every child could learn and feel welcomed.

Determined to help, Hattie began saving what she could. Little by little, she set aside pennies, nickels, and dimes—eventually saving up 57 cents. It was a humble offering, but a heartfelt one. Sadly, Hattie became ill and passed away at just seven years old before she could see her dream come true.

After her passing, her mother brought the small purse of coins to Reverend Conwell, explaining Hattie’s wish. Deeply moved by the child’s devotion and generosity, Reverend Conwell shared Hattie’s story with his congregation. Her simple act of love touched hearts far and wide.

Inspired by her story, the congregation began to give. Donations poured in. That small sum of 57 cents became the spark that lit a fire. With the funds raised, Reverend Conwell purchased a house that would serve as the site for Sunday school classes. But the vision didn’t stop there.

That humble beginning became the foundation of Temple College, an institution built on the belief that education should be accessible to all. Over the years, it grew and evolved into Temple University, one of the leading public research universities in the United States today.

And it all began with one little girl and her 57 cents.

The Power of a Small Act

Hattie May Wiatt’s story is a powerful reminder that no contribution is too small when it comes from the heart. Her tiny savings became the cornerstone of an institution that has educated thousands and impacted countless lives. More than just a tale of generosity, it’s a lesson in faith, hope, and the incredible potential of selfless giving.

In a world where people often feel powerless to make a difference, Hattie’s story whispers a timeless truth: every effort matters. Every kind deed, no matter how small, can ripple outward and change the world.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2025/07/31/a-small-gift-a-big-dream-the-story-behind-temple-university/

During the Great Depression, a wealthy baker summoned the twenty poorest children in town and said to them,
“Until God brings better times, you may each come here every day and take a loaf of bread.”

Every morning, these hungry children would rush forward, crowding around the basket of bread, pushing and shouting, each one trying to grab the biggest loaf. After snatching their bread, they would dash off without even a word of thanks to the kind-hearted baker.

But there was one girl, a poorly dressed little girl named Gretchen, who stood out from the rest. She never pushed or shouted, nor did she fight for the largest loaf. Instead, she quietly waited at the side until all the other children had taken theirs. Then she would humbly pick up the smallest loaf left in the basket. Without fail, she would gently kiss the baker’s hand in gratitude before happily heading home with her bread.

One day, after the others had left, shy little Gretchen received a loaf even smaller than usual. Still, she kissed the baker’s hand and thanked him sincerely as always. When she returned home, her mother cut the bread open—and to their amazement, found several shiny silver coins hidden inside.

Her mother gasped, “Gretchen! Take the money back immediately. The baker must have accidentally dropped it into the dough while kneading. Hurry, return it and give it back to that kind man yourself!”

When Gretchen returned the coins, the baker gently told her,
“No, my child, this was no mistake. I placed the coins there on purpose. I wanted to teach you something: Those who are humble and considerate will be blessed by God. May you always keep a peaceful and grateful heart. Go home and tell your mother—this is God’s reward.”

A heart of humility is like the sky above, the sea upon the earth, and the valleys between the mountains—
Humble people are vast because they are tolerant, and powerful because they are generous.

Those who are eager to fight will find Heaven itself contending against them.
But those who yield and show humility will find that Heaven yields to them.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2025/06/16/a-loaf-of-bread-and-a-grateful-heart/

The Power of a Small Act

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