Is It Really Giving?
When Pam Cope was trying to rescue children from the streets of Vietnam she spoke to ladies groups, business leaders and churches. Instead of money to help, mostly what she got was "usually things people simply no longer wanted--old shoes and winter coats (not so necessary in Vietnam). People seemed willing to give away things they no no longer wanted, but is giving away something you no longer want truly giving?"
My friend went to pick up some food for her church's food pantry and got a Nordstrom bag filled with food whose labels had expired. Is expired food that is not good enough for the "giver" good enough to feed needy families?
If we are giving from any place other than our hearts, are we really giving?
My friend went to pick up some food for her church's food pantry and got a Nordstrom bag filled with food whose labels had expired. Is expired food that is not good enough for the "giver" good enough to feed needy families?
If we are giving from any place other than our hearts, are we really giving?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by tigereyes11 on -
I have been struggling with this myself since I started this whole challenge. I would say personally that it is when the intent is pure and you are giving from a place of wanting to help another. If you have a wish of imparting joy on another -- yes -- I would say it is. Maybe by doing this exercise one will change their intent in giving and see it as a more joyful experience and not one for convenience. :-)
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Permalink Reply by Mary Johnson on -
An excellent point for thought, Gayle. There's a well-known donation down here in Galveston, TX, following the horrific storm of 1900, I believe, where someone donated hundreds of shoes - all for the left foot!
While I, personally, would never donate expired items to food banks, there are many food products that are good well beyond their stamped expiration date. I would like to think the food banks are aware of this and only hand out the ones that are still good.
That's the awesome thing about the 29-Days of Giving Challenge - when one gives mindfully, their heart is pure and their gift, in whatever form, is given to someone who really needs it at that moment. If only we could get everyone in the world to join the challenge!
Happy, Mindful, Giving!
Mary
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