Hey, I’m Brandon. So I lost my job. On Labor Day, no less. Which isn’t funny. It actually kinda sucks. I mean, everybody tells you what you wanna hear: “It’ll work out. You got this!” Only nobody means what they say. And God’s no different. He says to tell him what you want and he’ll answer if you pray real hard and crap, right? But then nothing. Nada.
So then my car gets smashed up. And it isn’t even my fault. Well, it could be, maybe, but… So my mom covers it, and now I owe her like fifteen hundred bucks. And you never want to owe my mom anything ‘cause she’s like, “Aha! Now I control you.” She doesn’t even need the money, she just wants the power; I owe her money so now she can tell me how to live my life, right? Um, no, I don’t think so, Mom!
I mean, it’s not like I’m mega into money, but when you’re broke everything’s about money, right? So I start praying, “God, I know I haven’t talked to you for like…a while.” I used to believe in God a lot when I was like 13 and in youth group and stuff, but now…I don’t know. So I say, “Look, God, if you give me the money to pay my mom off, then I will seriously believe in you. Seriously.” So I start praying every day, and I’m even starting to like it, kind of. But does God answer? Nope. Not a peep.
But meanwhile I start finding money on my own. Like I find a twenty dollar bill blowing down Hamilton Avenue. And I still don’t have a real job, but I start getting calls from this guy I used to know who does construction clean-up, and I actually kind of rock at it. Then I find $27 in this box my grandma gave me, and 43 bucks I forgot about for some junk I sold at a flea market. It’s just a little here and a little there, you know, but it starts adding up.
So it takes a while, but I finally pay my mom off. And suddenly she’s like “Whoa, you’re actually acting responsible, Brandon.” Then she starts acting like she’s my friend instead of my mom, you know, and she’s actually pretty cool. I mean, in a weird mom-cool way.
Anyway, the point is: Things are actually going pretty good. But all this time I’m praying and where’s God? Nowhere. I mean, I had to do it all myself. I mean, OK, there was this moment when I thought maybe… But, nah, that was just me…right?
Right?
Actors and drama teams: You can download the performance version of Parable of the Spare Change at SkitGuys.com.
Mitch Teemley 
Brandon needs to pay attention a little better. Sounds to me his prayers were answered 😁
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And there it is! Yup.
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Wow! If that isn’t me I don’t know who is..God graciously blesses me everyday & I take so much for granted.. Another Good illistration – Thank you Mitch…
Sent from my iPhone
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Thanks, Chris. Good to hear from you again!
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A comment of magnificent humility 👏👏👏
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I admittedly have been in that Brandon mindset on occasion, blinders firmly in place, not seeing all the ways my wishes have been or are in the process of being granted…just not in the manner or fashion I selfishly thought they would be.
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Thank you God for Mum!
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Brandon has yet to learn that our prayers are answered in unexpected and uncanny ways.
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Haha, good one ☺️
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Seems like I know a few Brandons, lol
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Wouldn’t it be nice to get an envelope with the exact amount of money and the return address written in Gold Ink and a little note that says, Thanks for being in touch, signed God. Or the NEON SIGN that says “apply here” and blinks in pink, or the guy on the corner with the megaphone that says, “Brandon, your mom would treat you as an adult if you were one!” But No. Nothing from God at all. *smirks
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;>)
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Brandon, Brandon, Brandon . . .
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This is my youngest son, right now. He’s looking for a job, not having any luck so far. Praying…
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Adding my prayer to yours, Linda.
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Thank you!
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Mitch, this is a wonderful parable that many young people can relate to; and a great way to share with them how God works in HIS timing when we allow (I was thinking of my youngest son the whole time I read it). Thank you!
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Thanks back, Karla!
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Many, many years ago I dared God to show me some sanity in this crazy world…so He did. And I didn’t believe in Him at the time, I was just shouting out from the middle of a divorce, jobs going sideways and trying to find a place to live. And yes, I was glad I did. And yes it was a very long, painful journey. But when I finally understood and saw its truth, I would not change a single step I have made in the 20 years since. Each and every stumble or glide that I did, did indeed give me an understanding beyond words. Unconditional love is the outcome of this worlds conditional love. It’s like happiness, we can never truly understand and appreciate it without experiencing and understanding sadness too. And on through those many emotions. Unconditional love is the same, we must experience conditional love so that when we do touch unconditional love, we will touch something so profound, and appreciate it so much more. This conditional love is indeed a very beautiful lesson, and like any craft the masterpieces come later so that they can be appreciated so the more 😀❤️🙏🏽
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Haha. Interesting point-of-view piece, Mitch. Sounds like Brandon’s fallen a wee bit short of “divine perspective.” 😉
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Just a wee bit.
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Great modern parable Mitch. Lots of lessons in there.
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Thank you, and God save the King.
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I’m curious, Mitch, do you write for The Skit Guys?
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Yes, I do.
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It’s fun to know that connection. I enjoy their skits because they’re crafted to help us digest a truth the flesh would rather resist. The sprinkle of humor makes it palatable. Have a blessed weekend.
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You too, Manette.
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Love it. People and others can relate to Brandon. Been there.
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LOL! I was once having a Brandon moment and lamented, “Where’s God in my life, I can’t even get a cup of coffee!” Right then this complete stranger rang the doorbell with a giant coffee in his hand. Something had lead him right to my door. There are a bazillion little things like that in life that seem so insignificant and random, but what are the odds?
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Love it, Gabrielle. Proof that God invented humor!
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I see God throughout this story. Thank you for sharing Mitch.
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My pleasure, Barbara.
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If Brandon won’t say it, I will- Thank you Lord for coming to his aid.
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Amen, Gypsy.
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Mitch,
It is sort of a millennials dilemma, right? I remember being there for sure. In Christ,
Gary
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