“In the splendor of imperial authority, she bestowed abundant proofs of her liberality as well on the inhabitants of the several cities collectively, as on individuals who approached her, at the same time that she scattered largesses among the soldiery with a liberal hand. But especially abundant were the gifts she bestowed on the naked and unprotected poor. To some she gave money, to others an ample supply of clothing: she liberated some from imprisonment, or from the bitter servitude of the mines; others she delivered from unjust oppression, and others again, she restored from exile.”
Flavia Julia Helena (c. 250-330), a.k.a. Empress Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine. She is thought to have significantly shaped her son’s Christian faith. Undoubtedly, she influenced his generosity based on this testimony from Eusebius Pamphilius in The Life of Constantine, Book III, Chapter XLIV “Of Helena’s Generosity and Beneficent Acts.”
I wish I would have discovered this quote before Mother’s Day. Better late than never, I share it today to inspire all women who read these posts to consider the generous influence they can have on the lives of people around them. I especially want to honor one young lady who shines brightly for Jesus: Sophie Victoria Hoag.
Join me in praying for her. She was honored yesterday as the 2015 Valedictorian for Front Range Christian School. Let’s pray specifically that she can have a generous influence through the speech she delivers to her classmates and all who attend the graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 23, 2015. I love you, Sophie!