3 Ways to Share the Wealth (and the Love!) This Advent

It's Giving Tuesday, so I thought I would pop in with a quick list of a few of my favorite organizations with which to share the wealth (and the love!).

MARY'S MANTLE - Local

Yes, I know. It seems a little self-serving since I work for the organization. However, let me tell you that the work this organization does and the service it provides is sorely lacking in our area. We house up to four homeless, pregnant mamas for up to a year while attempting to help them heal, know & grow closer to Christ, eliminate barriers to self-sufficiency, and learn to be Godly mothers. Four women. Four. Combine that with a couple other organizations who are engaged in similar work, and my guess is that there are a total of less than 20 beds/rooms for women who find themselves in such a situation. To give some perspective, one winter recently we received over 200 calls for placement. There is a great need that goes unmet. These are the least of these; these women are the face of Christ. Please consider adding Mary's Mantle to your Advent/Christmas giving, and to your prayers as well.

ST. JUDE'S CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL - National

As far as organizations go, this one is always near the top of my list. To know that there is an organization out there dedicated to conducting research and providing medical care for children free of charge to families does this mama's heart good. You can always give a donation in someone's name outright, but if you feel the need to have a little somethin' somethin' to give in addition, check out the St. Jude's gift shop. I won't lie - I kind of have my eye on the Polka Dot Mug though the last thing I need is another mug. I do love their dog and lady bug lunch bags for the kids, though! Plus, 100% of the profits go to the organization. 

CARITAS INTERNATIONALIS - International

"Caritas is the helping hand of the Church – reaching out to the poor, vulnerable and excluded, regardless of race or religion, to build a world based on justice and fraternal love." Though you won't see it broadcast on their homepage, so as not to take away from the multitude of needs across the globe, the Syrian humanitarian crisis is the largest emergency for Caritas. Even Pope Francis has mentioned the work they have been doing to care for the displaced within Syria as a means of building trust and peace. You can support their work throughout the world and learn more about their initiatives on their website. 

Giving Tuesday specifically focuses on monetary support, but there are always ways to support your favorite organizations beyond the dollars and cents. Coming slowly to the blog as the Year of Mercy begins, I will be highlighting different ways in which you and your families can begin to make the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy part of the fabric of your family life.

Until then, get out there and love 'em like Jesus!

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My Thoughts on "Giving Tuesday"

I get it. I completely understand why "Giving Tuesday" was created. I may even, in future years when I remember that it is Giving Tuesday, participate in giving that involves matching donors. However...

You knew there was a however, right? Once again, the Christian message, the message of charity is a response. It is a response to consumerism and current trends. My issue with Giving Tuesday is simply that it shouldn't be compartmentalized into a response that gives "giving" one day. Giving, charitable work, should be something we are on the offensive about in this culture. It should be a habit that is cultivated and nurtured in our families and our communities.

More importantly, WHY we give should be made front and center. Care for orphans and widows... Whatever you do for the least of these... If someone asks your cloak, give them also your shirt... Sacrificial love... There is a giant reason we participate in charitable giving and merciful action - His name is Jesus. We do unto others because we believe we are doing unto Christ. We believe that all He has given us is a gift, and its purpose is to bless others.

We give out of thanksgiving to our God. We give out of love that has been poured into our hearts by Love Himself. We give not as a response to mass consumerism, though it is certainly a great response - we give because it is our calling. We are called to pour out our hearts, to share of our bounty, to give preference to the poor and the weak.

Lest you think I'm a crotchety old woman, I do like that we have Giving Tuesday. I do hope that people gave of themselves and not just from their excess. I sincerely hope that organizations benefited from all the buzz. I just don't like how commercial it feels, with the email barrage equaling that of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. I'd rather see continual effort and encouragement to give more and consume less. I'd rather see the limelight given on a regular basis to organizations that are serving those in need and taking up the banner of justice for the oppressed.

So by all means, please give - today, tomorrow, next month. Find a charitable organization that fits your family's heart and mission. Find a few if you are so inclined. Then commit to sharing your money, but also your heart and effort. Spread the word. Lift a hand. Buy less and give more. Just don't leave it all for one day - that's all I ask.

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