A letter to the Editor of Time magazine in the January 15, 2007 issue I believe eloquently answers these questions in simple words.
Commenting on Time magazine's Person of the Year being “You,” Galen Panger of Stanford, CA, wrote
“…Your story said Web 2.0 is ‘a tool for bringing together the small contributions of millions of people and making them matter’ and about people ‘helping one another for nothing.’ I just want to emphasize this point. People will help one another if they believe it matters…”
“People will help one another if they believe it matters…”
Whoa…this really resonated with me, hitting a deep chord.
Yes, I want to help people when I believe my help will matter, I agreed.
Is that a factor that drives you?
Has there ever been a time in your life when someone needed help and you raced to their aid because you knew your support would make a positive difference?
On the contrary, though, has there been a time that someone needed help but you weren’t sure you should be charitable? You hesitated, maybe even walked away?
Perhaps you feared being rebuked for extending a helping hand? Or having them turn on you like an angry dog ready to bite? Maybe you were concerned about your generosity being taken advantage of and the benefit of any help given lost? Or perhaps you didn’t know why you didn’t jump to help and shrugged your shoulders in apathy toward their want?
Millions of knowledgeable Web users are downloading programs and information free of charge onto the Web making it easier for other Internet users to utilize the Internet’s resources and grow in understanding. I’ve used these free resources myself, and have been grateful for them.
Why do they give freely? Often for future profits they hope to reap, but many, because they want to help others who can benefit from their contribution.
It just occurred to me that I started writing this blog because I hoped to help my readers gain a little more spiritual light in their life. I expected nothing in particular in return, and wasn't sure what to expect, except the joy that comes from knowing a burden may have been lifted somewhere, a load made lighter and a chuckle or peace settle into thought that might not otherwise be there.
Everytime I get an encouraging email or comment that someone's day was a bit brighter from something they read on this page, I am inspired to keep on writing. Why? Because I know my efforts made a difference.
I believe the same motivation inspires millions of other bloggers likewise.
I bet the same rule applies to your efforts to reach out and help too!
We give when we know our giving matters. A nice "thought for the day" to contemplate…
It also underscores the need to let other people know that when they give, it really did matter. Our gratitude encourages them to keep up their efforts so the world will continue to receive their blessing.
Sooo..., happy giving!
The rich in spirit help the poor in one grand brotherhood, all having the same Principle, or Father; and blessed is that man who seeth his brother's need and supplieth it, seeking his own in another's good.
~ Mary Baker Eddy
6 comments:
Plubishing your comments on the blog continues to revitalize my continued spiritial growth and allows me to open up in doing good for others.
Your unselfish openess makes awareness to our Truth.
I like the casual nature of the blogs that allows me to see how Truth works in day to day experience. Lots of new ideas have lit up my thought thanks to your efforts. It's a fun way of being encouraged in a new perspective. Thanks for doing it.
Just wanted to let you know I appreciate your blog - especially when I know how busy practitioners can be. I enjoy hearing about healings and your slant on life's little adventures and current events. Thanks! Vicki
Your postings and articles are a great help to me. I have read several of them many times and look forward to each new posting. Many, many times I just say "Thank You Father" because I really feel like God has sent me a message when I read your postings. Many times it has been exactly what I needed to hear. Please keep giving and sharing because I know I'm not the only one who has been helped, even if I never did say - thank you!
Amen to the other comments.......I also feel it is message from God when something you write hits a chord and it does often. So join my thank you to the rest.
God bless you for blessing others.
Karen
You are all so welcome! And it's so great to hear from you. Your comments are as beneficial, if not more so, to read, than the blogs!
evan
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