"Gracious acceptance is an art — an art which most never bother to cultivate. We think that we have to learn how to give, but we forget about accepting things, which can be much harder than giving … Accepting another person's gift is allowing him to express his feelings for you." — Alexander McCall Smith
I knew that accepting the call of ministry through missions would stretch me in ways unimaginable. But, this fundraising stretch is tougher than the pulling of my 29-year-old hamstrings.
It hurts … my pride.
I’m that person who doesn’t like to ask people for anything. So you can understand why the idea of having to fundraise for The World Race makes me want to crawl under a rock and stay there until the final boarding call to Guatemala is announced.
Two weeks ago, there was no rock in sight and nowhere to hide. I sat in church with a group of intercessors who unexpectedly blessed me with monetary gifts toward my mission trip. I was humbled by their willingness to give and fought off thoughts telling me I couldn’t accept their money.
I am still learning how to receive.
In an article titled, The Art of Receiving is Different from the Act of Taking, author Dennis Merritt Jones, says, “ … there is a big difference between a ‘receiver’ and a ‘taker.’ Takers are plentiful in our world – they ‘take’ with no sense of propriety or desire to give anything in return, unless there is something in it for them …. Receivers, on the other hand, are open to what is being offered and are able to graciously accept it with gratitude and, if appropriate, humility.”
I realize that it is hard for me receive because I fear of being perceived as a “taker.” Now 11 days into my fundraising efforts, I am more than half way to the first deadline amount of $3,500 and I am so grateful!
Will you help me to further exercise the art of receiving by partnering with me in my mission efforts?
If 100 people make an online donation of $16.55 by September 24, 2013 I will hit the first fundraising mark. (But as a receiver, I will accept any amount given with gratitude! J)
Thank you for taking time to read this and for your continued prayers and support.
With so much love,
Jessica
