Our Giving

As we grow in life, we tend to notice that everything connected to us grows as well. Our relationships grow, our faith grows, we grow in business and success, and we also may grow in size or outgrow things as well (clothing for example, YIKES!). No matter what we do in our lives, we should always be in a state of growth. Growing means there is “life” among you. You are progressing, maturing and developing.

As Christians we strive daily to grow spiritually, leading a life that is pleasing to Christ. What does this mean? This means we are outgrowing some relationships, taking steps to produce by cultivating who we are and what we are called to do as His children. Everyone differs in their growth process. There are some that may grow by leaps and bounds in a short period of time, while others it may take baby steps.  We live in a society today where there are a lot of ‘why’s’. “Why do I need to do this and what am I getting out of this?”, “What purpose does it serve for me?” and so much more. When something is questioned it becomes a bit of a pause or obstacle preventing a quick turnaround or change because you have to take the time to address the question. This is why I say the process differs from person to person.

One particular way that I am striving to grow is by my giving. In Matthew 25:31-46 Jesus speaks of those in need. One take away from the passage of scripture is, ‘For I was naked you clothed me…’ (Matthew 25:36)

There are many among us that do not have the capability of providing necessities in life that we overlook or call a ‘given’. By the Grace of God, we are blessed because you never truly know when someone—anyone is going without. I can speak for myself when I say that there are times where we take buying and having clothing for granted.

Some years ago, I remember going through my eldest’s daughters clothing when she was younger. Getting rid of the clothes that did not fit (some items she wore only once), some that were worn and torn, also those that still had tags on them. At that time there weren’t many kids around that were younger that were fitting her size in clothing and many years ago I wasn’t thinking much of going to donate the clothing so I just… threw them away…

Fast forward, being at a different place in life where I’ve had close friends that have struggled financially and even myself in some ways over the years. When you have children, things that you do for self—begin to take the backseat. To a lot of women, one major thing that makes us feel great about ourselves is clothing. However, the one thing that takes the backseat is buying clothing for ourselves because we as mom’s know 5 more ways that the money for a shirt or pants could be used to purchase something for our kids. It doesn’t have to be new or expensive, it just has to feel good. If it feels good, then our body language and confidence will exude and makes it then look good! All in all, we just want something that fits feels good and looks good. In this current climate, not many people as in years prior get to experience this. All because finances seem to have taken on a life of their own…and not in a good way. More like a non-existent, or here one day—gone tomorrow type of way.

That being said, over the past few years I have made it a point to donate our clothing. Rips and tears, no. But the clothing that has been gently used. The items that we took really great care of because it was our “favorite”. My girls even have clothing that they don’t get around to wearing and they just grow out of it. New tags and all.

I would always hear a commercial on the radio or see it on T.V. of a Women’s and Children’s shelter. After googling and locating the donation store, I realized how far it was. My first mind was to think “there is a Goodwill store down the street, donation bins in the middle of our shopping center near Target, and even a Salvation Army store that I drive past everyday”. However, there is a soft spot that I have when it comes to women and children. There were those that helped me along the way where I was in a position of not being able to fully provide with the newest or the best but still able to provide. So, despite the 45-minute drive to and from the Women and Children’s donation shelter, I feel deep down that it is all worth it to be able to bless someone else even with the little things that we may not see ourselves as an obstacle.

Giving doesn’t take much yet does so Much! There are so many ways to give… So… Be Found Giving!