Reflections on Generosity

"...Those who hoard their gifts, living with clenched fists, suffer the sadness of a pinched soul and a miserly existence. They never experience the extravagant blessings that come to those who live with open hands and giving hearts...This week, I am reading various quotes from Being Generous by Theodore Roosevelt Malloch, published in 2009.Reflection question:In this field,  how is your soul being shaped this week?  With an open hand and giving heart? or Clenched fists and a pinched soul?To purchase this book:  Being Generosity by Theodore Roosevelt Malloch.   To receive a 30% discount with free shipping, use code: RUSA30.Permissions granted by Templeton Press for use of this quote.What do you think?To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com.Music credit: Woeisuhmebop

"...I would say that other‐preservation is the first law of life. It is the first law of life precisely because we cannot preserve self without being concerned about preserving other selves..."In honor of the Reverend Martin Luther King Junior Day in the United States, I thought I would share two related quotes from him. Both of these quotes come from the time of his launch of the Poor People’s Campaign.Reflection questions:How will you invite someone in your community to join you in this other-concern work?If you have had a hard week in your work, what do you most need to recharge? Time with the clients you serve to see the difference you are making?  Time with a donor to hear why they support the cause? Or time away with your community? Take the time.What do you think?To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com.Music credit: Woeisuhmebop

As you know, this podcast focuses on the beautiful spaces of generosity. I will be taking a break until January 5.  Instead of reading a quote this week, I encourage you to explore the roots of generosity within your own holiday traditions. As I reflect on St. Nicholas Day, Hanukkah, Christmas, Christkind, Kwanzaa, Three Kings Day and so many of the other holidays, I am struck by the universal elements of generosity and relationships.  Yet, we can get so busy in planning for these holidays that we miss the simple truths that generosity brings to each of these holidays.  So, let’s reflect on one question until January 5:In the midst of the busyness, how will you be generous to yourself so that you can give out of the cup of generosity to others?   Until January 5.What do you think?To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com.Music credit: Woeisuhmebop