The Bet on Persevere
Young preacher Nathan was grabbing lunch at a little café when he opened a letter from his mom. Inside was a ten-dollar bill.
“Thanks, Mom,” he thought. “I’m sure that’ll come in handy.”
After finishing his sandwich, Nathan stepped outside and spotted a man sitting on the sidewalk with a worn-out cup and tired eyes. Feeling generous, he decided the guy needed it more than he did.
He crossed out his name and address on the envelope and, across the top, wrote in big block letters: PERSEVERE.
Trying not to make a scene, Nathan tucked the envelope under his arm and casually “dropped” it as he passed by. The man picked it up, read the word, and smiled.
The next day, Nathan was back at the café, halfway through his burger, when someone tapped him on the shoulder. He turned around—and there was the same guy, grinning ear to ear, holding a fat stack of cash.
“Here,” the man said, handing it to him. “That’s your half.”
Nathan blinked. “Half of what?”
“Half of the winnings,” the man said proudly. “Persevere came in first—paid thirty-five to one!”
