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It happens everywhere I go. In countless ways and in all sorts of circumstances, good-hearted people ask me again and again, "Larry, what can I do to help?"
More and more, I find myself responding with a very simple and clear reply: "If you really want to make a difference, give me money, and do so on a regular, planned basis."
People don't expect that response, but I feel it is appropriate. Most who ask me how they can help have money, many have quite a bit of money. Usually, folks look to me to figure out how they can have a hands-on experience, and we are glad to make those attempts. And, we will continue doing so. But, the best thing people with money can do to help us is give us money.
For many, making money, amassing capital is a gift, a talent. Not to say it is their only talent, but it is clear that it is a fundamental gift.
Years ago, one of my dearest friends who served on our advisory board at the time complained of his frustration with trying to help me. He worked hard at numerous "hands-on" jobs.
He attended countless meetings, which he hated!
Finally, in a very honest conversation, I just told him, "Here's what I need you to do. Go back to work. Pray for us. Make all the money you can. Then, give me all you can."
He seemed relieved by my counsel. He reminds me of it still, though it was 11 years ago that we had "the talk."
It's a bit amusing when people say things to me like, "Well, you can't solve problems by simply throwing money at them!"
Really?
Frankly, I wouldn't know about that since I've never been caught in a "money storm" where lots of it was flying around inside my world. I'd love to test the theory though. Let's begin with someone stepping up and starting to throw!
The fact is, not everyone needs to come down to the inner city. Not everyone is needed. When Nehemiah had finished rebuilding the wall around the ancient city of Jerusalem, he had the people draw lots to determine which 10% would live inside the walls. The remainder had the freedom to live outside the walls in the freedom of the countryside. Not everyone was needed in the inner city. So it is today. There's just not room.
I visited a prominent non-profit organization in another city not long ago. The Director of Development told me that the walls in a certain area of their complex had been painted 15 times in the past year!
Come on. Can we get real here?
Don't get me wrong. Volunteers are great and we use lots of them.
But many, many people can really make a huge and lasting difference by simply funding that which they believe in.
People who say to me, "We want to do more than just give money," make me want to ask the question, "So, how much money are you currently giving?"
I suppose I've belabored the point long enough.
It takes money to feed the poor, house the homeless, treat the sick, educate the children and enhance workforce skills.
I need your dollars to get the job done.
Please don't apologize if that's all you have to offer.
Most of the time it is the very best and most efficient thing you can do to really move things in the right direction for the most people.
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Comments (1)
Here's something to consider in view of my post...
What do you plan to do with your tax rebate check that either has been deposited to your checking account or will be coming through the mail? You know, the $600 or $1,200 windfall that the federal government is giving back to help "stimulate the economy."
Why not donate part or all of it to Central Dallas Ministries or to some other effective charitable endeavor?
Here's my "challenge level" lineup for you to consider:
Compassion gift 10-49% of your rebate
Community gift 50-75% of your rebate
Commitment gift 76%-100% of your rebate
If you choose to make an investment in the work we are doing in Dallas in the inner city, we will be grateful. And, I can assure you your help will stimulate the lives of our neediest citizens.
I'd love to keep a running total on the gifts given. So, if you make such a contribution to CDM, please note it is part of "Larry's Rebate Challenge."
If you give to another organization, please let me know where and how much you are giving either here or by email to ljames@CentralDallasMinistries.org.
Contributions can be mailed to CDM at P. O. Box 710385, Dallas, Texas 75371-0385 or
online through our website at
http://www.centraldallasministries.org/.
Thanks for considering my challenge. I hope you'll accept it.
Posted by Larry James
|
May 7, 2008 9:22 AM
Posted on May 7, 2008 09:22