Tag: Helping

Your Next 24 Hours

I want to recommend a book to you that is written by Hal Donaldson, the President of Convoy of Hope.  Your Next 24 Hours is specifically focused to get each of us to be intentional about being kind, spreading more joy in the world, and ultimately making a huge difference in the process.

I can honestly say that I have been both encouraged and challenged while reading this book.  I was reminded that it really doesn’t take much effort to show kindness; Just being intentional to look for the opportunities around us.  I really enjoyed the many stories shared of how people have engaged their lives to help others.

It is a great reminder that if everyone did their part to show kindness to each person they encountered, we would change the world as we know it.  We can start with ourselves and determine to be the difference! One day of kindness can change everything!

I thought I would share several of my favorite quotes from the book:

Giving hope and encouragement to people is not expensive, but neither is it free.  It requires you to choose a life of generosity so others can have a life of opportunity. (Chapter 5, pg 46)

Choose to be openhanded rather than tightfisted.  Find as much pleasure giving presents as you do unwrapping them. (Chapter 5, pg 48)

Listening is kindness.  It tells people you cherish their words and value their opinion. It says, “You Matter.” (Chapter 8, pg 63)

You always get back so much more than you give.  Words have such power. (Chapter 9, pg 69)

If you’re led by kindness, you possess the words to restore a homeless man’s dignity, inspire a child to believe in herself, lift the spirits of a single mother, help a youth overcome shame and disappointment, and salute a senior citizen for a life well lived. The kindness inside you has the power to transform lives. (chapter 9, pg 72)

Every life is precious to God and must be treasured, because ‘injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere’ (Chapter 12, pg 103)

You can be a teacher, accountant, waitress, sales executive, custodian, engineer, pastor, and more AND change the world … Each week, make it your goal to earn both your paycheck and a reputation for kindness. (chapter 20, pg 140)

when people find themselves in a cavern of despair, it might be your relentless kindness that becomes their hope to freedom (Chapter 21, pg. 144)

For more information and to order your copy, visit yournext24hours.com

 

Boundaries: Difference between a “Burden” and a “Load”

I am reading the book by Henry Cloud titled, “Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to say No”.  I am currently reading in Chapter two and think that he makes a great point on the distinction between burdens and loads.  These words are both used by the Apostle Paul in the book of Galatians when giving instructions to the church on doing good to all.

Galatians 6:2- Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:5- for each one should carry their own load.

For many in the church these two verses can be very confusing in terms of where personal responsibility begins and ends, compared to how we serve others.  I have struggled myself knowing when to step in and help someone or if they are being irresponsible.  The author brings great distinction and insight into these verses:

The Greek word for burden means “excess burdens,” or burdens that are so heavy that they weigh us down.  These burdens are like boulders.  They can crush us. We shouldn’t be expected to carry a boulder by ourselves!  It would break our backs.  We need help with the boulders- those times of crisis and tragedy in our lives.

In contrast, the Greek word for load means “cargo,” or “the burden of daily toil.”  This word describes the everyday things we all need to do.  These loads are like knapsacks. Knapsacks are possible to carry.  We are expected to carry our own.  We are expected to deal with our own feelings, attitudes, and behaviors, as well as the responsibilities God has given to each one of us,  even though it takes effort.

Problems arise when people act as if their “boulders” are daily loads, and refuse help, or as if their “daily loads” are boulders they shouldn’t have to carry.  The results of these two instances are either perpetual pain or irresponsibility. (Page 30)

The best application I can think of is to be clear about the things that truly are our responsibility to own.  The rest of the chapter gives further insight into what’s on that list: Feelings, Attitudes & Beliefs, Behaviors, Choices, Values, Limits, Talents, Thoughts, Desires, and Love.  May God continue to help us know this distinction!