Giving Back

Mayan Sisters

A well-equipped family is one that is not self-absorbed. Giving back is a huge part of equipping, especially with regard to teaching our children to be generous. This is difficult in times when the current events demand our attention as with the economic and governmental challenges we now face. However, we are to NEVER forget the poor, hungry, naked, and oppressed.

There are always others in this world that have it worse than we. And even if you were to find yourself worse-off than everyone else in the world (truly bad times), there are others that need your love and help as well.

The age old adage to count your blessings has a huge psychological effect on our outlook. It wards off thoughts of depression and woe is me kind of thinking. God made us to work together and love one another; we are social beings. Scripture (Bible) teaches to put others before ourselves. The God who made you knows how you function and what's best for you.

There are innumerable ways to give of yourself. It can be with finances or time. Use your gifts and talents.

My wife and children got involved with Life Today while I was in Iraq. They did what they are good at i.e. networking, organizing, and getting the word out. They organized a few garage sales to raise money, emailed friends, put out brochures and cards. They raised around $5,600 which was enough to dig one clean water well in Africa with nearly $1,000 left over to start the next well. Water Well in Africa

Some tips are:

Be well rounded: Find something local and personal like helping friends AND something bigger than you (i.e. international problem)
Take on a cause that you are passionate about and maybe start a blog about it (it will keep you engaged)
Pick something the whole family can get involved in locally and read as a family about the area or people you are attempting to help.
When you find something to get involved in, find organizations that have a balanced approach to solving the problem and subscribe to their newsletters and RSS feeds so that it is in front of you periodically

As an example we are interested in childrens issues particularly in Latin America specifically in regards to human trafficking. We have a blog called Faultless Religion that we are slowly growing. There are a number of organizations that are involved with the plight of these children that we follow and give to. We have worked in the past with orphanages in Belize, Central America and are currently trying to link up with them to work closer and maybe make more trips down there so we and our children can get hands on.

Mayan Boy