Raising Light
One aspect that is often lost in a Giving transaction is the emotional and psychological impact a gift has on individual recipients, families and even communities. The physical impact of a charitable act is often readily recognizable, at least in situations where access to the use of donations is provided. But the emotional and psychological impact can oftentimes be hidden or delayed.
For example, think of a small gift, like shoes given to a child belonging to a family in poverty. If you are an eMiter, we can show you the impact on the child as she walks around in her new shoes, taking pride in the gift that now covers her feet. But we may not get to see the tears of joy in her mother’s eyes, acknowledging what every parent understands - when my child is happy, I am full of joy. But it was simply a pair of shoes. How can such a thing derive such an immense response?
Poverty is a tremendously heavy burden to carry. The inability to provide for your family, the weight of working for your next meal, these are situations that wear down on people’s hearts and crush spirits. In times of poverty or illness any gift, even small gestures of charity, can bring hope to a heart. That hope can be the spark that changes a life, revitalizes a spirit, alters the course of a family. That new standard raised through a charitable act could be the one event that breaks a person free from the chains of despair! Even if it is just a simple pair of shoes, that gift allows the light of love to shine in someone’s heart.
It may seem far fetched to think that small things like a meal, a loving hug, a small Mite have the power to change the course of a life. But we at eMite believe that to be truth. We really believe that we can change the world for people in need with a simple act of generosity. We do not control what happens after our Mite is given. Our responsibility is to give. The rest is up to Someone with the power to do more than we could ever imagine possible.
By the way, a long time ago a wise man wrote down the following, “If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.” Your giving is raising a new standard. You are raising a light in dark places and turning gloom and despair into bright sunny days! Keep on giving your Mite!