October 21, 2025 Every Perfect Gift

 Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, 
 is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.  
James 1:17, NRSV 

I was surprised to learn that Martin Luther, the spark behind the Protestant Reformation, once called the book of James “an epistle of straw.” He didn’t see its strength. But to me, James is the most practical book in the New Testament. It’s where the gospel rolls up its sleeves and gets to work. 

James reminds us that every good and perfect gift—every word of encouragement, every act of service, every spark of generosity—flows straight from the heart of God. I saw this truth lived out through an 81-year-old woman I never met. 

She was a friend of one of our Mahjongg players, and despite her age and health struggles, she regularly sent her friend to our gatherings with small, handmade gifts—crocheted lap blankets, colorful potholders, soft washcloths—each one crafted with love. Once, she even sent three extra lap blankets for our church’s Prayer Shawl Ministry, which, as it happened, was running low that very week. She had no idea. But God did. 

That’s the beauty of grace. It moves quietly through willing hearts and open hands. Her stitches became a sermon without words, her gifts a reflection of the “Father of lights,” who gives generously to all. 

This is the heartbeat of Laity Sunday, which we celebrated around the world this past week. Grace reminds us that ministry isn’t just for those with a pulpit. Each of us is called, equipped, and empowered by God to serve where we are, turning ordinary moments into extraordinary expressions of His love. Every act of giving is a whisper of God’s grace, reminding the world that His love still moves through human hands. 

Reflect: Where might God be inviting you to offer a quiet gift of grace this week—something simple, yet deeply needed by someone? 

Pray: (Prayer of Self-Dedication in the Book of Common Prayer):  Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to You, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly Yours, utterly dedicated to You. And then use us, we pray, as You will, and always to Your glory and the welfare of Your people, through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen. 

By His Grace,  
Gloria Ashby  
Lay Leader