One can give because others do, in anticipation of not being outdone. One can give because tradition pressures one to...Christmas, weddings and the church's plate. And one can give because someone asked.
While all of these examples can come from a right motive, they may not always be heart-sourced. So what's good giving?
Sharing what you possess with another may sometimes leave you with a little less than what you had wanted to keep for yourself. You may have even desired to save for a wise purpose. Still when beckoned to share for a "non-self "cause, you realize that maybe your "self" plan wasn't so important or so timely after all.
The sole measure for giving ought to be rooted in sharing from a cheerful heart. It's my good pleasure, should be the attitude.
At my church's food program, we follow the idea that if every member donates one can of food each Sunday we can make a huge dent in feeding the city's disenfranchised. Volunteers give secretly so no one knows who puts what in the lobby's catch bin. But when you drive by the church on a Monday morning and you see the long line, you know that your donation will help to eliminate someone's hunger.
So here we are at the final few days of the Hallmark Campaign to help AIDS victims in Africa. Could you use a little cheer this week?
A gift of ten percent (10%) of your Gather points may be the difference between life and death for someone you may never meet. And if that person somehow returns your contribution to society by one day helping someone else in someway, ad infinitum...well, that's what we mean when we speak of the gift that keeps on giving.
In and of itself, such selfless giving is a source of good news about which all of our hearts can cheer.
rate
email
print
link to this page
Comments: 33
And Larry, thanks for reading, my loyal friend.
I guess that to the degree that you've needed a friend during troubled times to that same degree can your heart being willing to "pay the kindness forward."
As always, thank you for your "giving" comment on this important discussion.
Well, here is the perfect opportunity for all of us to forget about self for the moment and to direct our concern toward others.
Thanks for stopping in, Tara.
It's good to hear from you. I am glad what I wrote touched you in some way. I give you thanks!
As for signing up, the campaign ended yesterday, I think. However, I 'll the Gather Hallmark Group Moderator contact you to let you know if it is too late for you to donate this year.
God bless, Rose.
When it finally registers that giving to others is what it IS about...well that's a day to celebrate.
The knowing frees us from the ego's selfish slant over our lives. Your comment is very right on. Thanks.
Another case is the one where a man I know here, sent out these letters to his connections begging us to give some money for a woman on gather. She really had him fooled, and begging for her. The whole thing sickens me.
I have nothing against charity, I have my preference I give to. The DAV (though they changed their name they still use those letters) At least that is one I know is on the up n up, helping disabled veterens.
Thank you for letting me rant P.W.
Anytime you want to check out a charity's credibility, it really is very easy to do.
A charity, whether DAV or Hallmark's AIDS Campaign, must register as a nonprofit organization. A rule of thumb for not-for-profits corporations is that no more than 20% of the proceeds can be used for administrative costs.
That means that at least 80% of the funds collected must be directed toward the specific charity purpose.
You are right about some solicitations that come out of the blue on our community's site.
Don't think I didn't get a few of the questionable solitations you mentioned. But as you so cleverly point out, the schemers are about as transparent as Scotch tape.
I take no offense in what you say here. As strongly as you feel about donating to the DAV, I feel the same compassion for those who will benefit from the Hallmark Campaign.
Glad you raised the issue. It's important to distinguish between the legitimate fund raisers and those who are not.
As a matter of fact, thank you for caring.
to me, it's like random acts of kindness
Very well put. What you write here ought to be this article's finishing sentence. Thanks.
Every heart is known by its fruit. Clearly, one of your fruits is seeded in a desire to extend random acts of kindness. I applaud you for that and thanks for commenting.
Again, I love your article!
So pleased to meet you.
You write very well!
But seriously, thanks. I will after my project is complete. Or, sooner, if The Muse directs me.
So good to see you. Thanks for stopping by.