To Give More or To Give All

The Giving Pledge.
We all heard the astronomical philanthropic pledges of the world's richest persons in response to the initiatives of Bill Gates and Warren Buffet several years ago. And though some people had gamely put malice over their intentions, nobody can deny the enormity of the impact of their actions with regards to helping and reaching out to the poorest of the poor. It was estimated that their committed pledges could total as high as 230 billion dollars when pooled together.

For those interested to see who among the billionaires gave their moral commitment, please check their site - http://givingpledge.org


The Giving Edge
I accidentally watched a Hongkong news feature about "Auntie Kwan". She was a Hongkong elderly person who is supported by a regular hand-outs from her children and a low government subsidy for the elderly. She lives in a very small house without a ceiling and other home furniture or appliances. She does not buy food in the market and just cooks the vegetables that she grows in her small backyard. One could easily think that she is a frugal but rich old lady with savings to sustain her in the future. But she actually has no money at all. Because as soon as she gets the money from her children and from the government subsidy, she grabs her trolley bag and buy goodies and stuffs that she readily gives out to absolutely anybody in need that she meets. No question asked. No ifs. No buts. She has been doing this for more than 30 years now ! During days when she is flat-out penniless, she visits homes for the elderly and chats, sings and play with them, bringing along her indefatigable zest for life. And it is a little wonder because everyday for her is a gift from God to whom she sings her praise and poem on her every morning.

The billionaires and Auntie Kwan are poles apart in terms of financial standing and influence but the effects on the people who are direct recipients of their kindness are the same. They feel joy. They feel hope. They feel alive.

These people feel love.

So for a lot of us who are still procrastinating with the mind-set of "I will give when I have enough", just remember the many people like Auntie Kwan who never have anything and yet has "given her all" (Mark 12: 42-44).

These billionaires are raising the bar of world philanthropy.
Auntie Kwan, and those like her, continue to raise the joy of selfless giving without measure.
In the end, they both give out the same message and challenge - that everybody has something good to offer to others.

Go ahead and share God's love in your own selfless ways.

God bless.