Fifty-Two Cents

My car insurance payment was due. The rate had increased by $7.45 over the same period compared to the previous year. When I received a letter from my insurance company stating that because Americans were driving less due to the COVID-19 lockdowns, rates would be reduced by 11 percent nationwide, I shared the exciting news with my prayer partners. One of them responded, “Every little bit helps!” A month later, I received another letter from the insurance company that stated the final amount due had been reduced to $663.10. The due date was three weeks later than normal. An extension! I lifted my hands to the Lord for His marvelous works and prayed, “Lord, thank You for providing for this need.” When I gathered my mail, I saw an envelope from the chief financial officer of the state in which I reside and work. It read, “This official letter from the State of Florida is to notify you that we believe you are the owner of unclaimed funds we have recovered and are currently holding on your behalf.” I read further and noticed the funds were categorized as coming from two accounts—“wages, payroll, salary.” The reporting entity was my workplace. Again, I said, “Thank You, Lord!” I knew it would likely be an insignificant sum of money, but every little bit helps. The following Monday, after my prayer-line devotion and early morning walk, I dialed the number listed in the letter.

Despite the wearisome telephone prompts and hold time, I was finally transferred to a customer service representative. I told him about the letter I had received, and he informed me that the first account was for $415.58. The second, $247.00.

He did a quick calculation and said, “You have a total of $662.58. I will send you a claim form right now; no return postage necessary.” “When can I expect the check?” I asked. He told me to give it ninety days. I was elated! How improbable is it that my local state employer would award those funds right then? I then needed only fifty-two cents to pay my car insurance! With my pink piggy bank held over my head, I vigorously shook out fifty-two cents.

My friends, never stop praying. He hears!

Pauline A. Dwyer-Kerr