This is a charity in my community (San Gabriel Valley) that I support, as do my parents. They help the homeless & needy in my immediate area.
It is at times like these - Hurricane Katrina, the earthquake in India/Pakistan, last year's tsunami - that little home-grown organizations suffer. People see the global catastrophe and feel that they must support the efforts to rescue & rebuild. In the process, the organizations here, that had been receiving their donations, are left with nearly nothing.
I think it's important to remember what we do at home, what we do for those around us, where we are more likely to see an immediate impact. Or any impact. And I think that we can't truly help someone else heal until we've healed ourselves.
So I don't allow myself to feel guilty about not contributing to the relief efforts. My heart goes out to those people, but my money, and the time I can give, goes out to my neighbors.
(btw:) The title of this blog refers to the feeling most people get when they have to make a tough decision: do I, or don't I, contribute to this week's global rescue mission. Sometimes, your heart really is breaking for these people. Sometimes, it's just the pepperoni you ate last night. Learn to tell the difference.
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2 comments:
Hi Jess! I added your blog to my favorites.
You reminded me of what happened one Christmas time. I was leaving a grocery store and there was a guy ringing a bell (salvation army knock-off). Not only would I want to check the organization out before giving to them, but I already give $ to a different organization. As I walked by he said "Merry Christmas." Now, in of itself, the phrase isn't so bad. However, he didn't say it nicely. His voice was dripping with bitterness. He was angry that I didn't give him $! I wasn't being greedy. I had already given to another charity. How does he know that I don't give millions?? (not that I have millions to give, but he doesn't know that)
I was so angry.
I agree, Kristi. I try to give out of compassion and generosity, especially when I can't give much. But when people try to make me feel guilty for not giving, when they have no idea what else I'm doing, it makes me not want to give at all. They should not sully the spirit of what they're asking people to do.
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