Tag Archives: Giving

December 2012 Soul and Solace

Creativity/Spirituality, , , , ,

DON’T…give till it hurts

I just finished Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged: an interesting read for a writer/nonprofit director who, as it turns out, works more for love than legal tender. Atlas’s powerful story and philosophy challenges me to think deeply about what I believe and why I believe it. Ayn Rand terms religious leaders “mystics of the spirit” who demand that those who “have” provide for those who “need.” Mystics of the spirit preach sacrifice as superior to happiness.

Is that the message we nonprofits send? When I drive by billboards that prompt us to mark through “be jolly” this holiday season and write in “give to the needy,” I’d say yes. Call me greedy, but I think we can be jolly and generous. Atlas has helped clarify A Spacious Place’s values: what we are and what we are not.

  • First, we honor time, prayer, and creativity as much as financial contributions. Indeed, we’ve functioned for five years doing just that, thanks to our amazing crew of creative volunteers.
  • Second, we’re free-choice fans: we won’t accost people with donation demands as they enter and leave their local pharmacy, or yank on heartstrings with tearful photos of innocents (a practice that disrespects both the photo’s viewers and its subject).
  • Third, we won’t be a black hole of need. I love the story in which Moses asks donations to build the tabernacle and finally begs: “Please stop! You brought more than enough!” Moses articulated the needs for a specific project and then stuck to the plan. Too often nonprofits suck generous people dry by asking support for one project after another. God loves cheerful, not beleaguered, givers.

And there’s the poignant story of the widow’s mite (Mark 12:41-43). I don’t believe religious leaders guilted the woman into “giving till it hurts.” I cannot see Jesus honoring her choice under those circumstances. For whatever reason, the widow chose, as her spiritual practice, to give all she had. And that’s a choice of joy.

We all have need. We all have something to give. This holiday season, A Spacious Place wishes you generosity—and we wish you joy.

What are your thoughts on holiday and charity?

December 2009 Soul and Solace

Creativity/Spirituality, , ,

The Gift of Experience

“More Bang for your Buck!”

“Times are Tough.”

“These days, it’s more important than ever to . . .”

A season associated with extravagant spending collides with circumstances that challenge consumer values. How might we creatively respond—can we find ways to both give and live? This month we can explore gifting others with memorable experiences. Some possibilities include:

  • Strolling through or driving by holiday light displays
  • Belting out holiday songs (off key, if we like!) while driving or walking
  • Creating “gift cards” that begin with the words “I hope you for . . .” followed by a personal greeting or that begin with the words “I value in you . . .” followed by words of regard
  • Together attending a free holiday concert, event, or worship service, or treating someone to a film, to a dance or theater production or to something else that nourishes and delights.

Do you have other ideas for sharing the gift of experience? We’d love to read them!