Here is what I know about giving:
Giving evokes gratitude. Whether you’re on the giving or receiving end of a gift, that gift can elicit feelings of gratitude—it can be a way of expressing gratitude or instilling gratitude in the recipient. And research has found that gratitude is integral to happiness, health, and social bonds.
Giving is contagious. When we give, we don’t only help the immediate recipient of our gift. We also spur a ripple effect of generosity through our community.
Happier people give more and giving makes people happier, such that happiness and giving may operate in a positive feedback loop (with happier people giving more, getting happier, and giving even more)
All of these things are positive!! SOOO POSITIVE!!!! So why then am I so afraid to turn the table and ask to receive it?
I am in need. I need funding. I need your help, and I’m terrified to ask for it.
I’m afraid because I don’t want to become a burden. I’m afraid because in todays economy everyones doing their best to survive, myself included. Before launching for The Race I knew that there were going to be many hard things I would have to overcome. I knew about the living conditions, the past wounds I carry that need to be healed, the community living etc. However, fundraising for me is the hardest part. I’m not sure if its my own pride, or if its out of fear; but asking for money is terrifying for me. I can sleep in a tent for months on end and use bucket showers and wash my clothes by hand. That I can do. But asking for money, count me out. This is something that has really been on my heart lately. I wanted to pay for The Race all on my own like a perfect little missionary should. I wanted to be financially stable like a perfect little American should be; but I’m not.
I have chosen to follow the Lord this year with wild abandon, and this is part of it. I have chosen to give it up, all of it. Not just the luxuries of life, or the good american food, or my truck… I gave it all, including every last penny I have.
If you have made it this far with me on my journey and this far in my blog, I thank you! And here comes the hard part…… “I am in need of your help.” ugh.. that hurt a bit… I need your support to continue on my race. I need money, or fundraising opportunities, or more followers on my blog. I need it all. So please give HERE, follow my blog HERE, and please “share” this on Facebook to start sharing my journey with more and more people (you can find the link on my Facebook page).
Most importantly, thank you to all of my current supporters, without you I could not be sitting where I am today in Thailand teaching Muslim children about Jesus for the first time. Your giving makes a difference in the lives of many around the world. Your giving matters. Thank you.
