What Do You Give?

We are living in such an “About Me” society that giving of ourselves has become such a rare event instead of normal act.

Often, it is assumed that “giving” has to be some grandiose gesture for the world to see. Actually, it is a smile, a silent prayer or the simplest of gestures that can be profound and have enormous ripple effects throughout the universe.  Don't you ever wonder: “How do others feel about themselves after being in your presence or having read your writings, books or Social Media posts?”

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou

We have great power to give to others that we underutilize. Social Media has afforded us all the opportunity to extend kindness to others – whether by a “Happy Birthday” or a “Congratulations” comment, or even clicking “like” on a post. We can also send cards, email, texts, make phone calls, leave voicemail messages or even silently pray for each other and wish each other well.

As I grow in wisdom, I find that I wake up each morning first “Thanking God” for waking me up, and then asking myself “Who can I bless or be a blessing to today?”  I am realizing that the more I give, the more I receive.

 The Bible shares:

Acts 20:35 (NKJV):  I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Luke 6:30 (NKJV): Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back.

Deuteronomy 16:17 (NKJV):  Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God which He has given you.

Powerful Quotes:

Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ”What are you doing for others?” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

“No one has ever become poor from giving.” – Maya Angelou

“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give,” – Winston Churchill

“Only by giving are you able to receive more than you already have.”

“Nothing that you have not given away will ever be really yours.” – C.S. Lewis

 “You have not lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” – John Bunyan

“Life is an echo. What you send out comes back. What you reap, you sow. What you give, you get. What you see in others, exist in you.” – Zig Ziglar

“You don’t need a reason to help someone.”

“If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” -  Mother Teresa

“Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world.  For, indeed, that’s all who ever have.” - Margaret Mead

“People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.” - Theodore Roosevelt

The lesson for us should be to focus on what we can "give" instead of what we can "get."