Timely Truth from a Parking Lot Penny 

Today I’m excited to feature a well-watered word from my friend Lee Ann Zanon. Lee Ann knows heartache and disillusionment. She understands the grief of having her identity, built for decades on external accomplishments, stripped away by chronic pain. She’s walked the road of doubt and loss, questioning God’s unwillingness to grant the request of her fervent prayers. In her new book, Honest Hope: Scriptures and Stories of God’s Steady Grace, Lee Ann shares real encouragement rooted in real truth and real life.

Guest post by Lee Ann Zanon

An early breakfast date with a friend provided the motivation I needed to get moving. It was the six-month anniversary of my beloved mom’s death, and I wasn’t quite sure what to do with myself. Part of me wanted to just curl up with a blanket on the couch and watch the rain fall straight down. But anticipation of life-giving conversation and good coffee spurred me to head out the door, even stepping up my wardrobe beyond typical yoga pants and sweatshirt.

A bright copper gleam defied the curtain of gray hanging over the morning. A single penny in the restaurant parking lot caught my eye and I stooped to get it. It was different than any other I could recall. Like new on one side, but nearly solid black on the other. A damp shine enhanced the vivid colors.

Retrieving a stray penny wasn’t unusual. I’d developed the habit some fifteen years earlier, around the time of our daughter’s high school graduation. The days preceding the big event had been extra full, so I’d taken a walk to clear my head. I could feel excitement building, but also swirling anxiety about whether everything would go as planned. Halfway through my route, I glanced down and noticed a penny. I picked it up and took a moment to study it. The classic four-word phrase seemed to leap from the coin, “In God We Trust.”

It felt like a personal, divinely inscribed message to calm my heart. I stood still and breathed deeply. The Lord was with me. He was for me. He invited me to release my concerns and rest in His care. His peace settled my soul.

Over time, Psalm 31:14–15 has become a favorite Scripture for turning my heart and mind toward truth, especially amid worry, sadness, or fear.

But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God. My times are in Your hand.’

Whether the days feel dark, or radiant with joy, I can choose to fix my hope fully on the Lord.

It’s intriguing to consider that, of all places, “In God We Trust” appears on our money. Not just pennies, but nickels, dimes, quarters, fifty-cent pieces, silver dollars, and paper bills. So often I place my trust in the tangible evidence of God’s care . . . like paychecks and bank accounts . . . rather than God Himself. And I tend to do the same with people.

I’ve come face to face with this challenge in mourning my mom’s death, wanting to stay busy connecting with others rather than entering into the hard work of grief. Yearning for human comfort has led to unrealistic expectations, which I’ve had to acknowledge. Empathy from family and friends is vital, but only the Lord can fully know my heartache. He alone can bring ultimate healing.

Because of His compassion, God faithfully and creatively pursues us with His love. No matter where we find ourselves, He consistently extends grace and help in ways we can understand.

Every now and then I receive an anonymous, handmade note in the mail. Always the same, and perfectly timed. Simple type on plain white cardstock, quoting words from author Elisabeth Elliot, “God’s will. Nothing more. Nothing less. Nothing else.” On the inside, a single penny attached with clear tape.

In God We Trust.

Let’s stay on the lookout for this reminder of truth, its value infinitely higher than just one cent. A treasure of great worth if we’ll choose to receive it.

By the way, a sweet friend of Lee Ann’s recently “confessed” to making and sending the anonymous cards! ☺