HomeHomeDecember 2001
With another year rapidly coming to a close, and the holiday season in full swing, it is a natural time for reflection. A year ago, after a long wait amid much confusion, we Americans finally found out who our next President was, and even though the economy was beginning to cool down, we were all looking forward to the "true" new Millennium.
A year later, no one could have predicted the changes brought about in part by world events---terrorist attacks, a war, a full-scale recession with thousands of jobs lost daily, and a new world, in which Americans are experiencing a profound sense of loss. This holiday season is so much more somber than last year.
In celebrating our "season of light" and our many religious traditions during this month, we are more than ever aware of the darkness in our world. We have been affected deeply by the events of September 11th, and will not soon forget what happened on that day. We Americans, once so isolated from the pain felt by millions of others in countries we haven’t learned enough about, whose lives have been shattered by terrorism and its underlying causes, are now connected to our fellow humans on a seemingly much-smaller planet.
It is as though our American culture, as "young" as it is compared to other ancient cultures, has been through a turbulent adolescence, and we now have the opportunity to transition to a graceful, mature adulthood. Yet we also yearn to get back to a state of normalcy that we won’t see again.
In the past few months our news and entertainment magazines, as well as other media, have been monitoring and gauging our collective "temperature." How are we doing---politically, financially, emotionally, personally? We have also learned much about the realities of the "outside world" in a short amount of time. For example, the plight of Afghan women, an issue once taken for granted, is finally in the spotlight. Will we remember that the plight of those less fortunate diminishes all of us, and has a definite bearing on our collective futures?
How will we fare at this critical point in history? It is impossible to predict. I hope that during this particular period of reflection we take time out to question what our ancestors dreamed of when they came to America, and to think about what we dream of now and for our future. May we continue to appreciate the liberties we have, and never take them for granted. Our active participation in our 225-year old American "experiment" is vital to our continuing freedom. It is not unpatriotic to keep up with current events and question the choices being made by our elected officials.
I hope we step back, take time out from our somber reflections for joyous celebration and gratitude for all the good and all the rich promise that our lives still hold; that we do not lose our American energy, spirit, and optimism. We believe our lives and contributions make a difference. Our history of philanthropy proves that these ideals can be true. Our loved ones--family, friends, co-workers--as well as our fellow citizens, need our God-given gifts and talents to make our lives, communities and even the world, a better place. Our sense of fairness and compassion are desperately needed right now. At this time, it is important to "think globally, and act locally". Our communities need us.
While this particular holiday season is a stressful time as we assess our personal lives and national destiny, we can also remember the intangible gifts that last forever. In her popular book, Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy, author Sarah Ban Breathnach suggests a new way of celebrating the holiday season and a new way of "giving of ourselves.. She creatively re-wrote a holiday classic:
On the first day of Christmas, I gave to my true loves:The gift of my Undivided Attention
On the second day of Christmas, I gave to my true loves:
The gift of Enthusiasm
On the third day of Christmas, I gave to my true loves:
The gift of Creative Energy
On the fourth day of Christmas, I gave to my true loves:
The gift of Simple Seasonal Pleasures
On the fifth day of Christmas, I gave to my true loves;
The gift of Tenderness
On the sixth day of Christmas, I gave to my true loves;
The gift of Good Cheer
On the seventh day of Christmas, I gave to my true loves;
The gift of Beauty
On the eighth day of Christmas, I gave to my true loves;
The gift of Communication
On the ninth day of Christmas, I gave to my true loves;
The gift of Surprise
On the tenth day of Christmas, I gave to my true loves;
The gift of Wonder
On the eleventh day of Christmas, I gave to my true loves;
The gift of Peaceful Surroundings
On the twelfth day of Christmas, I gave to my true loves;
The gift of Joy
These gifts are always in fashion and never go out of style!
Teresa
tcallies@hotmail.com
Resources for charitable giving:
We’ve mentioned a few before, but they deserve additional attention.
Helping.org is an excellent place to start. And Charity America also offers access to volunteer networks on their site.
The Better Business Bureau offers a Philanthropic Advisory Service on their site. They also offer tips on charitable giving.
The Council on Foundations supports foundations by "promoting knowledge, growth and action in philanthropy."
Share Our Strength works to end poverty and hunger in the United States and abroad by mobilizing industries and individuals and creating community wealth to promote lasting change.
Mercy Corps is a not-for-profit organization that exists to alleviate suffering, poverty, and oppression by helping people build secure, productive, and just communities. The agency now operates in more than 25 countries reaching 5 million people worldwide.
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