Last night as I rummaged through my closet, I found a Bible that was given to me when I was 7. The Bible instantly brought back memories. That Bible was given to me by a lady named Dorothy McDougal. Dorothy knocked on our door one day to invite us to a Bible program for kids that was held in her home. Dorothy came to our door at just the right time. At age 7, our home was not a peaceful home. My brother, sister, and I were all being physically and mentally abused by our mom’s boyfriend, Ernie. Ernie would often smoke pot in our home and give my brother and I beer to drink. We were living in total fear. Bible Study Hour at Dorothy’s was a place where there was peace and you knew that you were loved. We would stop by Dorothy’s house even when it wasn’t Bible Study Hour to get a drink or to just talk. I remember Dorothy delivering an Alf cake to me on my birthday. Dorothy took us to her church. Dorothy even gave me a dog.

Our family was rough around the edges, but Dorothy didn’t seem to care. Later as my mom began to turn her life around, she would say, “I really liked Mrs. McDougal. When I was living in sin, she never condemned me. She only showed me love.” Dorothy made a lasting impression in my mom’s life. Today my mom is serving God. Dorothy definitely made an impact in my life. Our world needs more Dorothys. Our society is so self consumed. Many people live each day focused on their job, their stuff, and their leisure time. Many people spend time with those who are just like them, never taking time for others that might be a bit different than them. I was a goofy kid that wore high water pants because we didn’t have much money, but Dorothy found the time to come knock on my door. She found the time to befriend someone not quite like her. Where are all the Dorothys at now? I know where some of them are. They are serving in ministries like Power House, Street Light, and Prison ministry. They are your Sunday School teachers and various other volunteers and individuals that never get much recognition. To Dorothy McDougal and all the other Dorothys out there, thank you for your selfless service! We are indebted to you.