We often doubt our own abilities, convince ourselves we can’t change our circumstances, and feel unbearably small. Many have believed that a single person’s power couldn’t possibly amount to much — but don’t underestimate yourself. A single thought filled with justice or kindness, like that of this little girl, might just change everything.
In the early 20th century, a small girl was crying outside a Baptist church in Philadelphia. A pastor saw her and gently asked: “What’s wrong?” Through tears, she replied: “There are too many children… there’s no room in the classroom!”
The pastor noticed that her clothes were worn and tattered — not like the neatly dressed children brought in by their parents. He realized she must’ve been pushed out of Sunday school simply because she came from the slums. Moved with compassion, he took her tiny hand and found a seat inside for her so she could join the class. The little girl, deeply touched by the pastor’s kindness, quietly made a promise to herself.
The small girl passed away, but left a lasting impact
Two years later, she passed away from illness in the slums. The girl’s parents knew she often attended Sunday school at the church, so they asked the pastor to hold a farewell service for her. As the pastor cradled her in his arms, something slipped from her belongings. He picked it up — a worn-out purse. Inside was a note, the handwriting crooked and childlike: “This is my gift to God. Build the little church bigger so more children can come to Sunday school.” The purse held a total of 57 cents. The pastor was overwhelmed with emotion and wept.
This story was written down and spread far and wide. A landowner who read it decided to sell a plot of land to the church — for exactly 57 cents. Today, that land is home to a church that seats 3,300 people, a Sunday school building, and even a hospital.
The little girl saved 57 cents with all her might before her death. It’s hard to measure just how little 57 cents is — but what it accomplished was nothing short of extraordinary. Do you often feel small and powerless? Do real-world challenges crush your ideas before you even try to act on them? Is your life truly harder than that of this little girl from the slums? You are not necessarily small.
Translated by Cecilia and edited by Amanda
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