CINCINNATI — On Saturday, Shannon Carr and other members of Light of the World Church stopped by Laura Easterling's house to surprise her with a pay-it-forward gift of $400.

“I’m very excited,” said Carr.

Easterling was so surprised to get her gift, she could hardly believe it. She is one of five people to receive money from the church’s pay-it-forward initiative.

“We need to lift people’s spirits up,” said Carr. “As you see, Laura was lifted up today and this is a gift to lift those up.”

This $400 gift means a lot to Easterling. A year-and-a-half ago, she became paralyzed.

Since then, she’s been recovering from spine surgery.

“God is good because I didn’t think I would walk again and they didn’t either and here I am,” said Easterling. “I’m so thankful.”

She can now use the money toward paying off hospital bills or any other medical expenses. Her son, Zion Easterling, nominated her for the donation and said he couldn’t think of a more deserving person.

“Seeing your mom go through all these transitions that a normal human that is not your mother goes through — depression or sadness and then trying to uplift her,” said Zion. “It’s the low moments that you really think like well I love her and I have to take care of her because she was there for me.”

Laura said she’s so grateful to both her son and the church and believes she is truly blessed.

“I’m a miracle,” said Laura. “If no one believes in the Lord, today you should.”