69. Charity Challenge
Tough times are truly the measure of a person’s character, the measure of collective character, be it a community, a city or a nation. There are so many invaluable lessons to be learned from the world’s scattered indigenous peoples. Ways of life and living such as – no one goes hungry! And – no one’s gain shall be at the expense of others. These are impossibilities within the true blue human ethic. Each member of the tribe, the village, the community is integral to the well-being of the whole. Loneliness and isolation are anathema to life. Service and charity are the most natural responses to being part of a collective support structure.
When times are hard, we find ways to be more resourceful, more conservative (in the true meaning of the word). Tough times don’t require us to become cheap or miserly, especially with the most valuable resource of all – our humanity.
When times are lean, the real measure of people depends on the quality and character of humanity they rise to. Don’t be cheap with life! Just because you may be counting every penny doesn’t mean you don’t have a lot to give. If the value of our charity as human beings is measured only in terms of dollars, then we are certainly lost.
These are the times when finding that deep well of humanity in yourself is crucial. The wish to give service as a natural overspill in return for all that supports us, freely, without counting the cost, without strings – is the charity that defines our humanity.
Find ways of giving – especially those who feel they have nothing extra to give. Genuinely giving from the best of yourself opens the flood gates and life comes pouring in! Wake up and Give!
~PAZ
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