The truth about Giving
Dec 19th, 2014 by admin
At Hope for life Initiative, our need to reach out and empower is a deep conviction that a better humanity is a possibility. It is not about repaying a good deed but about doing something for someone who cannot repay you. It is about either sponsoring a child’s education, visiting a sick person, encouraging someone without expecting something in return. In performing these acts, the sole purpose is looking at the big picture which is to consciously help alleviate the suffering of others whose only crime is having too little. From the Christian perspective, you cannot give too much, though in the New Testament, giving is voluntary so when do we give too much. We can never give too much as small acts of kindness in any form multiplies in some way. It may never be received in the same way but what is important is that a chain is developed that makes the world a better place.
I recently read an article of the new norm, Pay it forward, an innovation that simply means repaying a good deed to others instead of the original benefactor. i had to see the movie. It was direscted by Mimi Leder, staring Haley Joel Osment and Helen hunt as his single mother. The 2000 film “Pay it Forward” tells the true story about a young boy who did three good deeds for others in need. All that the young boy wanted was that the recipients of his good deeds pass on the good deeds to three other people and keep the cycle going. This year, people from 70 countries celebrated the”Pay it forward” day.
How fantastic, it seems to be blessed each day by someone you don’t know but if truth be told we hear stories of how one has to be selective in helping others. As it could turn out to be a negative rather than a plus. Some say, once you help certain individuals, your resources begin to go downhill. If truth be told, it is risky helping strangers who sometimes never understand or appreciate the reason behind one’s generosity. Nevertheless, let’s look at the big picture. Many questions arise, should one be affected by these attitudes? Certainly not as giving is a selfless act and when we decide to reach out, it should be like a mother’s devotion to her child causing her to put the needs of the child first. This concept if practiced brings about a change like Ghandi said, “be the change you want to see in the world”
As long as there are people living without food and water, our efforts at helping out cannot be overemphasized. It is playing the important role of providing for the less fortunate that is a blessing. The truth is no matter how much we give, we cannot feed every hungry soul but at least reaching out to a person in dire need of food; or clothes will bring a smile and lift that person just as a rainbow can move even the greatest sourpuss. It is more about being our brother’s keeper because we all want the same basic things. So, irrespective of how difficult the circumstance may be, let’s learn to practice small acts of kindness that will multiply if we spread the word to a sister, brother friend, mother, father cousin, niece, and nephew. The list is endless and we all can make a difference. We must “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” It’s not about our circumstance but about giving something for nothing. It is up to us to decide to positively make a difference where ever are.
Not having anything to give, lets pay a smile forward or simply follow the pay it forward innovation and perform three acts of kindness towards other people.
Concluding, spread the words to consciously do something nice for someone you don’t know, “And that is how change happens. Just a gesture. One person. One moment at a time.” Together we can rise above difficult circumstances and differences in language, ethnicity and borders. One person cannot do it but we all can make a decision that will create ripples across nations and the world. Together, we can change the world, thereby making it a much better place for future generations.
This message comes at such a good time, as we celebrate another holiday season, Christmas; let’s change our attitude to giving to reflect not just the season.” All that you touch You Change. All that you Change, Changes you. The only lasting truth is Change. God is Change.”