True Charity: A Skill Few Possess, but All Should.

By Charlotte Anderson

In human history, we see exhibited shining examples of selflessness and humility. For examples, look to those who are named amongst the Saints, the people who have passed before whose lives were filled with countless hours of work spent benefiting those who were less fortunate or less capable of helping themselves.

We live a very fast-paced lifestyle in the modern world, and as we fill our days with electronic diversions, speedy cars and shiny toys, we have lost sight sometimes of the simpler things. Things like the first rays of sunlight casting tiny rainbows in the front yard, the laughter of young children at play, or the plight of a homeless person in need of a warm meal go beyond the notice of a great number of the world's population. Within certain age brackets, for instance those individuals fresh out of high school, there is even a level of disdain and derision aimed toward those who are handicapped or impoverished.

On an individual level, when presented the option of performing charitable works, many people will come up with any excuse not to participate. Most people in our modern era believe that sending five dollars off to a random charity once a year or buying one of the various paper shapes at major retail establishments makes them a charitable person, yet these same individuals will avoid the opportunity to spend a weekend at a food bank helping to load trucks, for example.

On the other hand, let us consider for a moment the truly impoverished or handicapped individuals out there in the world. Homeless people tend to gravitate toward one another, otherwise considered social pariah. This raises a level of community between these unfortunates, and often leads to interesting behaviors such as food sharing, passing of information in regards to warm places to sleep or hide, and the homeless protecting one another. Interesting how the most charitable group of individuals is also the least equipped for societies approved form of charity: the almighty dollar.

So how can you or I become more charitable every day of our lives? The answer is simpler than you think. If you go to fast food restaurants regularly, ask them if they support a particular charity, and if they take collections in the store. If they do, leave your coin change in their collection box -every time you eat there-. Just like the new-fangled "Keep the Change" accounts some banks carry, your contribution can add up fast, and because you are not keeping a running tally of your donations, you cannot form "charity remorse" from the change you have given away.

Some charitable principles are also recycling principles. Many grocery stores and other retail establishments have receptacles set up in which you can return plastic bags from previous shopping trips for recycling. Charity is not just a skill to use with people, but also our planet! The saying goes and holds true: "Every little bit helps!" Whenever you make a purchase, keep your eyes out for ways to consolidate your waste even before leaving the store. Sign up for online banking statements, online credit statements, and online billing for your utilities and other bills. If everyone in the United States converted to online billing for their household utilities (electricity, water, gas) then we would save 32,749,597,836 pieces of paper, and that is not counting the envelope and stamp.

Another great way to become a more charitable person is by volunteering. One of our most valuable assets these days is time. Volunteering opportunities exist all around us, at hospitals, senior citizen centers, and animal shelters, even at churches or homeless shelters. By volunteering your time assisting others, you are committing yourself to acts of selflessness and kindness.

Learning the value of charity is one way that every human being on the planet can increase the quality of life for those around us, along with raising self-esteem and confidence. When you do good deeds, you create a good feeling for yourself and for those whom you have helped, in perpetuity. Society would benefit greatly, and so would each individual.

Briefly consider what would happen if the acts of giving, of charity and assistance were to cease on this world. People behave only to benefit themselves; greed and anger would become primary emotions driving each person's daily life. Our planet would suffer, fail and die, worldwide hunger would claim the lives of millions, and in short enough order, the world's population would either wise up and begin to lend a helping hand, or we would drive ourselves into Neanderthal style chaos, pushing ourselves into extinction.

Charity and volunteerism are essential skills for the positive social and spiritual growth of the human race, and therefore skills that each person should learn and hold in high regard in them and in others. With thousands of ways to contribute to society as a whole, there are no excuses; there are no viable reasons not to do everything within your power to aid those in need.