Hope & Giving

'Tis the Season...

Hope Matters

…but isn’t it always the season? Certainly it is when it comes to giving. We love to quote the Bible when it comes to tangible things: “It is more blessed to give than receive.” And, it’s a really hot saying now when it’s gift-giving time.

Two days ago was Giving Tuesday; I was getting all the emails and asks. I gave to organizations who address issues that are meaningful to me. It felt good. Then, I remembered what it felt like to want to give money and things, but my funds wouldn’t allow my pocket to cooperate with my heart, and I was overwhelmed with gratitude for being able to participate in this Giving Tuesday. Now, giving money and things are great and hopefully useful to the receiver. Yet, I realize we have so much more to give than money and things.

When I was flat broke and my heart wanted to give money and things, I could only give what I had. Things like: time, consideration, hope, care, and concern. In real time, I saw the shift in people to whom I gave these gifts. Their eyes lit up or welled with tears. They gave hugs and even shared their offerings with others as a result.

As I reflect on this, I realize these are of more value to me than any money or things I can give. These are the things that change lives. Furthermore, when our financial and present giving is motivated by care, concern, consideration, etc., we witness the power that it adds to the money or the present.

As we approach this season of giving, approach it with vigor no matter your circumstance. Make it a practice throughout the year. Take the focus off your finances and place it on your motivations toward whom or what you’re giving. What do you have in abundance that you can share with others? What do the people you care for really need or want that could change their lives? No matter how little or how much money you have, you have something, and it matters to the receiver more than you could ever imagine.

Remember, The Giver who gives freely to you gave you more than enough of whatever it is to share with others. If all you have is hope, give that. I hope and pray that every gift you give from now on is filled with thought and meaning.

Give in hope that lives will be changed. ☕️

Coffee Matters

Welcome to the coffee shenanigans! Hope Buddies, I’ve got a new toy.

So, a few weeks ago after my morning walk with Walking Buddy, we visited our local coffee shop. On the shelf, I saw something and was like, 😲 ‘No, they didn’t!’ Oh, but yes they did, and it was right there for me to purchase. I looked but didn’t touch.

Well, this week I touched and bought a…

So, let the shenanigans begin. I don’t know when I’m going to break it open. But trust, y’all will be getting pictures, a video, something. I’m so excited! 😁💃🏾

What are you hoping and sipping this week?

I appreciate you taking the time to read this hopeletter about my life and coffee. Please share with a friend who could use a little hope or coffee recommendation.