What will you give during this SEASON OF GIVING?

Give and it shall be given unto you: good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over... [Luke 6:38]

During these hard economic times, we all can say that we have less than what we may have had a year or two ago. From unemployment to the foreclosure crisis, Americans are spending less and saving more. With that being said, many non-profit organizations such as food banks and shelters are experiencing a shortage of donations. Many families who were once living in homes are now homeless and depending on social services for their basic needs, like food and shelter.

During this SEASON OF GIVING and as a result of these hard economic times, I have challenged myself to give donations and my time. I have realized that we spend many days and nights complaining about our circumstances but we fail to realize that there is ALWAYS someone with less! Yes, you may have been laid off from your job or are in the process of a home loan modification and the stress is surmounting...BUT have you ever thought that someone else may have lost their job and their home with no family to turn to, children to feed, no savings in the bank and an unreliable car! Even at your worst, there is something to be THANKFUL for.

There are many days when I think about my dreams and goals and I complain that I am not where I want to be...BUT when I read www.cnn.com, www.ajc.com, www.msn.com and www.washingtonpost.com, I realize that although I am not where I want to be I am BLESSED! BLESSED to have a job that allows me to pay my mortgage on time, BLESSED to have a reliable car, BLESSED to have a supportive family, BLESSED to have food, BLESSED to be able to put gas in my car, BLESSED to have loving friends, BLESSED to be able to save money, BLESSED to know that no matter what is or what may come the GOD that I SERVE will work it out! Through it all, I am BLESSED to know the importance of GIVING BACK to the world and to the people that make up MY COMMUNITY!

This SEASON I have vowed to give my time by volunteering at a food bank or children's shelter; and give of my finances to the D.C. Children's Law Center Annual Adopt-A-Family Christmas Drive. Whether you give non-perishable foods to your local food bank (boxes of macaroni and cheese are always on sale), an unwrapped gift to TOYS FOR TOTS (a board game or a book can be found for less than $10), or help with the preparation of Christmas Dinner for a local shelter (Hosea Feed the Hungry in Atlanta needs volunteers for their annual Christmas Dinner at Turner Field)...there is always something that you can GIVE!

Other Ideas for Giving:

1. Pay for a friend’s meal
2. Drop a $5 in someone’s purse
3. Buy someone flowers
4. Buy ice cream for the neighborhood children
5. Take a friend to a matinee movie
6. When at the drive-thru, pay for the guy’s meal behind you
7. Bring doughnuts in for the office
8. Volunteer to babysit for a new mom
9. Give to a ministry that has been encouraging to you.
10. Buy lunch for the homeless guy on the corner
11. Put extra cash in your wallet and give it away when inspiration strikes!

IAMO.com members I challenge you to GIVE SOMETHING this HOLIDAY SEASON! I am not asking you to give what you don't have (we all have TIME) but make the decision to GIVE BACK to your COMMUNITY because we never know when we may face circumstances that would require that we seek the help from a local food bank or shelter! Choose to see your fellow man as yourself and treat them as you would want to be treated. Be kind to one another and be kind to yourself!


GIVE BACK, GIVE TIME, GIVE LOVE!!!