Tuesday, Nov 29, 2022
“Giving Tuesday”
Today is Giving Tuesday, a movement that began in 2012 to help motivate donors to provide assistance to the needy living in New York City. Now, the movement has spread across the world, with nonprofit, charitable, and religious organizations using this day as a rallying cry for us to remember to give back as we have received.
I suppose since I’m a pastor I should be banging the war drum for folks to donate a little something extra to their churches. Yes, that would be a good idea, but the Church can’t reach everyone. Though the Church was founded, in part, upon this principle, the world is filled with specific needs that need specific kinds of assistance. Rest assured, need exists almost everywhere. Even living on a tropical island doesn’t excuse me from finding a way to give back to my community.
Don’t worry. I’m not trying to make anyone feel guilty, other than myself. I can do something today, even if I’m tied to my office. I could take the easy way out and write a small check and give it to my church office across the hall. I could also donate to my high school and college alma maters since they will be banging the money drums, too. The Humane Society is always close to my heart since I love my puppy, and I am also fond of the Coastal Conservation Association and Game & Fish Commissions which help manage our natural resources and wildlife.
As much money as I’m going to spend this Holiday Season, I’m going to consider making a small donation to the people and organizations who are taking care of our world. They are serving as God’s heart and hands in places that are important to all of us. Giving to Church is a great idea, but so is giving to everyone else.
“Don’t forget to do good and to share what you have because God is pleased with these kinds of sacrifices.” (Hebrews 13:16, CEB).