True story: The Power of Opportunity and the Value of Helping Others

There are lessons in everything we do. Charity isn’t only about giving money—it is about seeing people, respecting their effort, and doing what is right. True charity is humility in action.

Recently, I experienced a moment that reminded me just how powerful opportunity can be. As my wife was leaving to run errands, she mentioned that a young man outside wanted to speak with me. When I opened the door, I saw him standing there with a bag and a lawnmower. He introduced himself and asked a simple question:

“My name is Chrischaud. Do you need any yard work done?”

At first, I told him I was fine and planned to do the yard myself. But something stopped me, and I called him back. He wasn’t asking for a handout—he was offering his hard work. The leaves were falling, so I asked what he charged. His price was reasonable, so I told him to go ahead. He cleaned my entire yard, raked the leaves, and cut the grass. He took pride in his work, and I paid him—plus a little extra, because effort deserves respect.

As we talked, he shared his story. Chrischaud works other side hustles, but the recent reduction in his SNAP benefits left him needing more income so he could care for his niece and nephew. Instead of complaining, he grabbed his lawnmower and went to work—house to house—for hours. Yet out of all the houses he approached, I was one of the only person who gave him a chance.

I contacted my neighbors and told them about his services and his price. They agreed immediately, and I gave him the green light to work on both yards as well. The gratitude on his face was something I won’t forget.

What stood out to me most wasn’t his situation—it was his spirit. At just twenty-four years old, Chrischaud is driven, humble, and determined to do for self. I saw some of myself in him. He shared that he has other skills and wants to build a landscaping business.

We talked about the importance of having structure—getting a stable income while building the dream, investing back into equipment, and understanding how to track expenses, write off tools, and build credit.

I told him something I wish someone had told me at his age:

“Let your younger self work hard enough to take care of your older self.”

He took that to heart.

He worked with gratitude, no complaints, no sense of entitlement. I went out and got him something to eat afterward, not out of pity but because I could tell he hadn’t eaten. But this story is not about what I did. The focus is on Chrischaud, a young brother who was willing to put in the work.

The lesson is simple:

When a young man or young woman shows ambition—give them a chance. Give them wisdom. Give them encouragement.

You never know how deeply a moment of opportunity can change someone’s direction.

Community is not a slogan—it is action. A village is built when we lift our young people, not just with money, but with guidance and genuine belief in their potential. Many of us have been where they are, hungry to become something more. They need to know that we see them, we believe in them, and we expect greatness from them.

To the younger generation reading this:

There is no such thing as “nothing you can do.” Work with your hands, use your mind, and build your dream step by step. Doing for self is powerful—especially when it’s paired with a plan and discipline.

Chrischaud showed that ambition. He showed that hunger. And that is what this testimony is about.