If you know me at all, you might be able to guess that I think #GivingTuesday is pretty awesome. A day dedicated to generosity? Deal.
Something weird happened this morning, though. As I scrolled through my Instagram feed and my email inbox, I had to fight an urge to feel like I wasn't caring enough - that not caring equally about every single issue and not wanting to support every single organization was somehow a reflection of a heart that is incapable of feeling. Now that might sound ridiculous as you're reading it in your head (believe me, I'm writing it and can't believe I'm going to post it), but here's my guess: I'm guessing that at some point in your life you've fallen into a similar vein of thinking. Either thinking that your gift just can't make a difference, that you don't care enough, or that you don't know what to care about. So today, I just want to encourage you through these thoughts, and remind you that God has something He has put within each of us to fight for. Whether it's your neighbor or a stranger on the other side of the world, we get to partner with Him as we choose to lean into the discomfort of a battle worth fighting. (Now I do feel the need to say that I always think the best organization to give to first is the local church. With that, I do believe that God puts specific issues on our hearts, and other issue-oriented non-profits can be a great option for additional giving. Ok, back to what I was saying...) "My gift can't make a difference..." Your gift might feel small to you, but combined with every other person thinking the same thought, your gift can make a huge impact. And secondly, so what if it is small? Non-profits function on taking something small and doing something big. Find a non-profit that's doing the thing you want to see changed and enjoy the process and potential of giving! "I just don't care as much as other people..." That might actually be true BUT those people didn't naturally care. Let's be clear: maybe something struck a chord in their hearts, but it was in choosing to lean into the discomfort of an issue that they learned to really care. If you know what you care about, look into a few different organizations. See different routes that they are taking and read the stories of how they got started. I bet your care will increase as you signal to your mind that you find value in knowing about a particular issue and giving money to fixing it. Then, keep leaning in over the next few weeks and months. Read articles, books, and blogs. Learn what you can and allow your heart time to grow in care. "I just don't know what to care about..." The only way to figure this out is to figure this out (ha!). Seriously though, here is my recommendation for this: - Read through the following list (not exhaustive of the things we - the FFG board - care about, but my goal is to show you some issues and some of the reasons why we care about them) - Pick the one that stirs your heart the most (even if it's just a little little little) - Visit the website and learn a little more - GIVE something (it signals your mind and heart that this is something you value) - Commit to learning more and praying for about what it is God has put in your heart to fight for, and read Holy Discontent by Bill Hybels The List (of causes and organizations we care about): The Apparent Project - Keeping families together in Haiti while providing jobs, health insurance, and daycare. They are helping women thrive in a broken environment. Kiva - Providing micro-financing (loans) to people who wouldn't otherwise get them. Help women start business, get an education, and provide for their families. Money is paid back as their businesses grow, and can be re-lent to additional people. Also, donate to Kiva as a whole to keep the process going, and donate today for an additional bonus. Clean water - World Vision and The Water Project both offer ways to provide clean and safe water to communities in need. Care about kids having clean water to drink? Read more about the need around the world! Partner to end Sex Trafficking through Destiny Rescue and SheRescue. Donate generally, sponsor a rescue home, or provide medical care for girls who have been rescued from a life of forced prostitution. Support the Platts - Maybe your heart is less about the issue and more about supporting individuals and families who are on the front lines. Read this blog, follow this family from Minnesota, and help them through financial care and support. My hope and prayer is that today you would consider entering the battle. Specifically, I encourage you to GIVE and to open your heart to the joy of supporting change and the potential pain found in caring deeply. I encourage to you to take the step of bravery by entering the fight and choosing a side. I cannot promise that the journey will be easy, but I do whole-heartedly believe that the journey will be worth it. xoxo, Lisa & the Fight For A Girl team
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