Thanksgiving Day.
This day is one which should not be different from any other. In that statement, I mean that we should always be thankful.
Additionally, the holidays should not be any different than any other time of year. In that statement, I mean that if we have substance when the world around us needs help (not just a hand out), why shouldn't we always give to those in need? Shouldn't that be natural as giving thanks for what we have been blessed with?
Here are some examples of current needs...
CNN.com
"Struggle to help cyclone survivors in Bangladesh...PURBA SARALIA, Bangladesh (AP) -- Overburdened relief centers scrambled to help tens of thousands of cyclone survivors Wednesday, and fist fights broke out among victims waiting for rice at a food distribution center."
Impact Your World (CNN) ... These are links to ways you can help...
Red Cross
"Did you know that the American Red Cross gives disaster assistance to people in need ... free of charge ... every single day." Here is their link...
"SERVICE TO THE ARMED FORCES-The American Red Cross is a lifeline for deployed military members, allowing them to communicate to loved ones back home during emergencies. We also provide social services, emergency travel, financial assistance and mental health support for our returning troops and their families. You can help the Red Cross help military families with a gift to Red Cross Services to Armed Forces."
LDS
"People in Need Helping Others in Need Latter-day Saints respond to Mexican flooding"...
"...Church leaders have been working with government agencies to provide support where needed.
Over 40 tons of relief supplies were sent from Mexico City to Villahermosa on 2 November. This aid included food, water, milk, diapers, cookies and personal hygiene supplies. Local Latter-day Saints worked alongside neighbors and friends to assemble the supplies and distribute them to needy families. ..."
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For links on issues that you are passionate about giving to, here is a great site that rates the major charities according to category, along with giving links to their particular sites...
"The mission categories below list charities which get high grades (just like school A+, A, A-, B, etc.) from AIP (American Institute of Philanthropy) for putting 75% or more towards program cost while generally spending $25 or less to raise $100. These groups also receive an “open book” credit from AIP for willingly sending the financial documents we request."
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On Giving
An excerpt from "The Prophet" by Kahlil Gibran, written in 1923
"...Then said a rich man, "Speak to us of Giving."And he answered:
"You give but little when you give of your possessions.
It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.
For what are your possessions but things you keep and guard for fear you may need them tomorrow?
And tomorrow, what shall tomorrow bring to the overprudent dog burying bones in the trackless sand as he follows the pilgrims to the holy city?
And what is fear of need but need itself? Is not dread of thirst when your well is full, the thirst that is unquenchable?
There are those who give little of the much which they have-and they give it for recognition and their hidden desire makes their gifts unwholesome.
And there are those who have little and give it all.
These are the believers in life and the bounty of life, and their coffer is never empty.
There are those who give with joy, and their joy is their reward.
And there are those who give with pain, and that pain is their baptism.
And there are those who give and know not pain in giving, nor do they seek joy, nor give with mindfulness of virtue: They give as in yonder valley the myrtle breathes its fragrance into space.
Through the hands of such as these God speaks, and from behind their eyes He smiles upon the earth.
It is well to give when asked, but it is better to give unasked, through understanding: And to the open-handed the search for one who shall receive is joy greater than giving. And is there aught your would withhold? All you have shall some day be given: Therefore give now, that the season of giving may be yours and not your inheritors`.
You often say,"I would give, but only to the deserving."The trees in your orchard say not so,nor the flocks in your pasture.
They give that they may live, for to with-hold is to perish.
Surely he who is worthy to receive his days and nights, is worthy of all else from you.
And he who has deserved to drink from the ocean of life deserves to fill his cup from your little stream.
And what desert greater shall there be,than that, which lies in the courage and the confidence, nay the charity, of receiving?
And who are you that men should rend their bosom and unveil their pride, that you may see their worth naked and their pride unabashed?
See first that you yourself deserve to bea giver,and an instrument of giving.
For in truth it is life that gives unto life-while you, who deem yourself a giver are but a witness.
And you receivers- and you are all receivers- assume no weight of gratitude, lest you lay a yoke upon yourself and upon he who gives.
Rather rise together with the giver on his gifts as on wings:
For to be overmindful of your debt, is to doubt his generosity who has the free-hearted earth for mother,and God for father."
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May we all give thanks this Thanksgiving day and remember how blessed we are and give to those less fortunate than us, even if in just a compliment, a smile, a positive thought.
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