The scenes of citizens suffering during Superstorm Sandy in the North East, the earthquake and tsunami of Japan where houses were swept away and many more natural and man made disasters are sad and heart wrenching.
We live in a great nation that takes pride in giving to charitable organizations and to people who are in need throughout the world. In fact in 2011, Americans gave $346.17 billion to charities even in a sluggish economy.
According to World Giving Index, the US ranked number one in giving among 153 countries. The three areas of giving are volunteering, helping strangers and donating money. Last year there was an increase of 3 percent in our giving.
Scriptures say, “those who refreshes others will be refreshed”….
Imagine your small gift when added up with millions of other people can totally transform a child, a village, a community and a nation. Even an act of kindness like a small bake sale in your community could contribute and make a huge difference to our world.
This holiday season, there are many ways we could reach out to our community and the world at large. Here are four ways:
One: Host a dinner
An elderly neighbor living alone, a lonely college student from another state or a co-worker who lost a spouse may be looking for a place to hang out during holiday dinners and get-together. Your act of kindness of inviting them over to your home for dinner will make a huge difference to their holiday celebration.
Two: Feed the hungry
Devoting time to feed and give the gift of food at our local shelter are ways that we can help our community. According to National Alliance to End Homelessness, a majority of homeless people live in emergency shelters or transitional housing programs but 4 in 10 are living on the streets, cars, abandoned buildings or places not intended for human habitation. There are 243,701 in 2011 that were unsheltered. They are all in need of warm food and fundamental care.
Three: Gift of expertise
Some people donate their expertise to help others in need. Doctors, nurses, dentists, engineers, computer experts and teachers giving their time to volunteer in war-torn countries, places struck by disasters and extremely poor under-developed countries.
Four: Gift of money
This holiday season we are giving away 10% of our eBook sale to the D. Gary Young Foundation. One of their projects is in Guayaquil, Ecuador. The founder of Young Living, Dr. Gary Young noticed the poor condition of Guayaquil’s elementary school. No doors, chairs, no running water.
He would drive by it everyday on his way to the farms and God impressed upon him what a difference could be made in these children’s lives. So DGYF constructed Chongon School in the area that now holds 119 students. His vision and fortitude has changed not only these children but their parents and an entire community.
The foundation is committed to educate, awaken and inspire individuals to love, honor and live a healthy lifestyle by providing educational, economical and medical support to individuals and communities worldwide.
Don’t underestimate your small acts of kindness everyday. A smile and a word of encouragement will go a long way.
Disclaimer: This information is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, treat or cure any illness or disease. It’s strictly for informational, educational, or entertainment purposes ONLY. The products I talk about are not meant to diagnose, prescribe, treat or cure any illness or disease. Any information I give you about them is for informational or entertainment purposes only. They have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. Please seek the qualified health professional of your choice when making health decisions for yourself, your family and your pets.
