Stunning: Woman Blessed Complete Strangers After She Won the Lottery
Paying it forward means different things to different people. Some pay it forward by paying for a stranger’s coffee or meal, while some perform a kind gesture, going out of their way to help someone in need.
The Bible teaches us the importance of generosity and sharing our blessings with others. Philippians 2:3-4, ESV, states, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Crystal Dunn of Louisville, Kentucky did just that and paid it forward in a way no one expected.
After making a $20 wager on the Kentucky Lottery’s Bank Buster Jackpot Instant Play game online, Dunn was shocked to learn that she had won the $146,351.74 prize, adding up to $103,909.73 after taxes.
“I never thought I would win something like this, but this goes to show it can happen,” Dunn said, according to the Kentucky Lottery’s news release.
As Crystal Dunn drove home from the Kentucky Lottery office with her check, “I thought, I want to share this with others in some way.”
She stopped at her local Meijer grocery store and purchased 20 $100 gift cards and handed them out to random shoppers. https://t.co/8fULaCWXJa
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) July 23, 2022
After depositing her check, Dunn headed to her local supermarket, Meijer, and bought $2,000 in gift cards. Like a scene playing out in a movie, Dunn walked around and handed them out to complete strangers.
“A few were taken back, thinking I was wanting something in return,” said Dunn. “I got an [unexpected] gift and I believe in paying it forward and I wanted to pass it along.”
2 Corinthians 9:7-8, ESV, states, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.”
The Washington Post reported that Dunn passed out 20 $100 gift cards to random shoppers, who were not only in shock, but asking for hugs.
Dunn shared with The Washington Post that she had a difficult upbringing and wanted to pay it forward “because I know what it’s like to struggle. No matter what life you have, you do have a choice, and you can make decisions to make it better and to make a positive impact on others’ lives,” Dunn said.
Dunn, who started off with nothing, moving from one foster home to another at the age of 9, ran away at the age of 16 and has taken care of herself since. She was determined to make a way for herself, putting herself through college and finding a stable job, according to The Washington Post.
“I’ve worked hard for everything I’ve had,” said Dunn. “This is a pretty amazing gift.”
Dunn plans on using the rest of her earnings to buy a car and pay off bills. As for the recipients of the gift cards, Dunn has proved that the world is still full of selfless people looking to do the right thing.
