Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919)
Too many have dispensed with generosity in order to practice charity.
Albert Camus (1913-1960)
I am re-reading an incredible book right now called The Prayer of Jabez. It is a powerful book that I read over a year ago. The book speaks of asking for abundance in this abundant world. Not to be selfish but to be charitable. How much can you give if you have nothing to really give? In the book it says, and I quote,
“Take our feelings. Do we really understand how far the American Dream is from God’s dream for us? We are steeped in a culture that worships freedom, independence, personal rights, and the pursuit of pleasure. We respect people who sacrifice to get what they want. But to be a living sacrifice? To be crucified to self?” Well thank God we no longer need to sacrifice goats anymore because of the sacrifice on the cross that was made. ( I don't think I need to go into this any further right? Cool...) Jesus took care of that for us but we need to sacrifice ourselves and our lives to those who are less fortunate. Now, again, you can sacrifice everything you have and live like Mother Theresa, which probably is not your desired life, but you have to ask for an abundance in your life and ask for God's will so you can give that much more to others. Be a blessing. This is an abundant world, but let us also take our hearts into mind when it comes to charity. It is awesome to be generous but that is not charity. Jack London said “A bone to the dog is not charity. Charity is the bone shared with the dog, when you are just as hungry with the dog.” It has to be from the heart and be a sacrifice so it comes with its full value. We can still have an abundance of things and make a huge difference. If you don’t believe those commercials that say feed a child for just a dollar a day, well you better believe you can feed a child for a year for only $365 bucks in Africa. If you don’t believe it, take a look at these photos and hopefully you will find it in your heart to see the rest of the world that is not as fortunate as our wonderful, abundant country.
Enjoy.
