Giving, Times Being What They Are

“In every community, there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart, there is the power to do it.” -- Marianne Williamson

This past Sunday I went to brunch with a longtime friend. After we had spent an hour and a half solving the issues of the world, it was time to pay for our food and cocktails. I opened my wallet to discover I had left my bankcard at home. I had other cards in my wallet but, times being what they are, that was the only card I could actually use.  I called Brendan to ask him to hop in the van and bring some cash or my card, a task he accepted valiantly.

As I reflect on the moment now, it is telling of the times that there was no embarrassment. My friend understood, the waitress understood. It’s the recession and we’re all in it together. Our conversation turned to the things we’re doing to tighten our purse strings right now, with sadness and sighs we spoke of the organizations we haven’t been able to give to recently.

In the current issue of Heifer International’s magazine World Ark, there’s an enlightening article by Lauren Wilcox called “Giving in a Down Economy: What Do Hard Times Mean for Nonprofits?” that I want to share with you. As I read I realized that the studies sited were prior to the devastation in Haiti; the article itself may have been written prior. That gave me a flashback to a few months after 9/11 when I attended a benefit for an organization that gave food, shelter, and services to people living with HIV/AIDS. I’ll never forget the emcee boldly laying it on the line for the audience: it’s great that we’re sending so much money north  to help, but this organization in our hometown needs to keep its doors open too.

Now please don’t get me wrong here. I’m not saying there’s a right and wrong way to give, nor am I suggesting you can quantify need, I’m just saying it’s food for thought. Read the article, ruminate -- that won’t cost you a penny.

Incidentally, you can receive World Ark for free. I’m a magazine junky and this is one of the few that I have to devour end to end when I receive it. Good stuff. Maybe you work in a doctor’s office or a place where there’s a breakroom or waiting area and you could get a subscription to share with visitors? Click here to make it happen.

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The “Watermark -- Scottie Saves the World” team is strapping on their sneakers to take a few laps around Lake Eola for AIDS Walk Orlando 2010 in April. If you’re able to give, please click this link, select “Donate to a Team,” and you’ll find us in the drop down menu. Thanks, in advance!