Blessings Beyond Money: A Lesson from My Grandmother

A Heritage of Generosity

My grandmother Marie Ascione, who grew up during the Great Depression on a dirt farm in Mississippi, taught me a profound lesson about blessings that transcends monetary value. Despite experiencing extreme poverty, she understood that generosity is not about how much you have, but about your willingness to share.

Sharing in Scarcity

Growing up on a farm where she helped tend vegetables, cotton, and chickens, my grandmother's childhood was defined by hard work and limited resources. Yet, her most powerful lesson was about sharing. When she and her friends had little—perhaps just a biscuit or a piece of cornbread—they would always split their meager food.

The Philosophy of Abundance

Her approach was simple: "Everyone at the table eats." Whether a friend or a stranger showed up unexpectedly, there was always another chair, another plate, and food to share. She understood that true wealth is not measured by what you keep, but by what you're willing to give.

Giving Beyond Financial Means

I've learned to give in ways that don't always involve money:

• Offering time to listen
• Providing counsel
• Sharing resources like tools or appliances
• Mentoring select individuals

The Value of Mentorship

Now, I see my most valuable resource as time. When people seek to learn from me, I emphasize that success is not instant. Like mastering Kung Fu, it requires years of dedication, study, and perseverance.

A Challenge to Others

I challenge you to reflect on what you can give:

• Wisdom
• Life-altering interactions
• Support that helps others grow
• Mentorship that can change generations

The ultimate blessing is helping someone in a way that empowers them to lift others, creating a legacy that extends far beyond your own lifetime.

Stay safe, and I hope to hear about the blessings you choose to share.