The Charitable Spirit: Good Deeds
A Hero
Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall....
Are you a kind, compassionate and forgiving person? I believe you are, on some level, to be drawn to this read about The Charitable Spirit...
Some of us are situationally charitable. Christmas and Thanksgiving in America are the perfect opportunities for a variety of altruistic acts. At other times in the year, the demands of family, work and other personal stressors are ever on the front burner. Charity begins at home is a familiar mantra.
Still some view life as being of service to others. This may be shown in one's career, avocation or general manner of living. There is an ongoing awareness and concern for the welfare of others.
In either scenario, it certainly seems easier to be charitable when it is your choice. Organizing food and clothing drives, taking a senior to a doctor's appointment or making a donation to a meaningful charity can provide satisfaction, purpose and fulfillment.
Even Heroes Have The Right To Bleed
I Can't Stand To Fly
No one is immune from hard times. It is rarely a deliberate choice, I believe, to be saddled with unexpected medical, financial or interpersonal hardships. Issues such as cancer, unemployment and domestic abuse are just a smattering of tragedies that show no societal discrimination.
Some of us appear more immune from the effects of hard times than others. For me, I assume an outer shell that allows me to see those I love and those students I teach as having issues greater than mine. I am forever placing life events in proper perspective and appreciating how blessed I truly am.
I readily admit the role that control plays in my life. I like when questions have answers. I appreciate when problems have possible solutions. I have a need to understand the whole picture. I can understand my role and do something ...
My family and close friends will vehemently agree that I allow plenty of down time in the control department. Raking, scrubbing and tears, accompanied by my energetic puppy, Andy, are typical ways that I express my helplessness and frustration about a situation.
Inner peace is regained during these frenzied activities. I am grateful that I have the energy to expend. I think of a brave woman, my dear sister-in-law, who is living each day with dignity, grace and purpose. I am inspired to draw from my inner strength and such powerful examples around me.
Five for Fighting: Superman
No act of kindness however small is ever wasted.
— AesopMake This A Better World, If You Can....
Reach Out and Touch Somebody's Hand
I have recognized a need to compose myself spirtually and emotionally when faced with a situation where getting well / feeling better soon are not options.
I have seen many individuals in pain or watching loved one's suffer and every response is so different. I am not convinced that one response is better than another.
When I focus on my composure, I am composed. This allows me to remove myself mentally from the equation and totally immerse myself into someone else/ or something tangible I can do instead. I become present for that person, truly listening to what they need from me.
Sometimes we need to be left alone. I respect that if I am being given verbal and non - verbal cues.
Sometimes, albeit rarely, we request an answer to a question. Most individuals are amazingly intuitive about themselves. As family, I always remember to do what that individual would want. As a nurse, I always maintain ethical boundaries and hope the best outcome occurs for each unique situation.
Some of the most meaningful encounters were ones where I say very little. Whenever possible, I use hand holding as a comfort and support, actually for both of us. Therapeutic and loving touch is more important than ever at these times.
Fellow nurse and dear friend, Gail Sobotkin (Happyboomernurse) shared the following remarkable nurse and her website with me when offering comfort about my sister-in-law.
Mary Landberg is a Hospice Nurse who uses photography of hands for healing. Her website, Hospice Portraits, shows some examples of 'hand portraits', which create powerful feelings of emotion, love and caring.
When we think about what we have the power of accomplishing with touch, holding someone's hand has a profound benefit. We can help someone feel alive, worthwhile and truly beautiful.
Diana Ross: Reach Out and Touch
The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the greatest intention.
When You're Not Strong....
Lean On Me....
Songwriter: Bill Withers
Sometimes in our lives
We all have pain
We all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there's always tommorow
Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on
Please swallow your pride
If I have things you need to borrow
For no one can fill those of your needs
That you won't let show
You just call on me brother, when you need a hand (Chorus)
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you'd understand
We all need somebody to lean on
Second Verse
Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on
You just call on me brother, when you need a hand (Chorus)
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you'd understand
We all need somebody to lean on
If there is a load you need to bear
That you can't carry
I'm right up the road
I'll share your load
If you just call me
Lean On Me Lyrics © Interior Music Corp
In his "Best of Bill Withers" CD (2000), Withers describes his music: "We all have different rhythms and rhymes. Mine might be slower than one man's and faster than another's. All I know for sure is this: When I'm writing, I'm a conduit. A larger spirit is moving through me. All I can do is be open when that spirit starts to move."
I find this description from Withers to be both profound and relatable to my view of The Charitable Spirit.
Bill Withers: Lean on Me
I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble.
— Helen Keller
Words = Action
C ~ compassion with care
H ~ hold the door; be polite
A ~ avoid the blame game
R ~ reach out if you can
I ~ imagine why people cry
T ~ take the time to look
A ~ awareness of strife
B ~ believe the best in others
L ~ lend a hand daily
E ~ entertain strangers
S ~ stop to smile and say hello
P ~ participation
I ~ involved in good cause
R ~ respecting the Golden Rule
I ~ isolation hurts
T ~ trust, hope and have faith...
© Maria Jordan (revised October, 2014)
Related
The Charitable Spirit - Kindness - Generosity - Charity (Perspectives)
Perspectives: The Charitable Spirit - Giving Too Much Can Cause Tears
30 Ways That You Can Give to Others Without Donating Money
Reach Out and Read: Immunizing Children against Illiteracy
Do Our Loved Ones Watch Over Us In The Spirit World?
Comments
- AUTHOR
Dear Vinaya,
Thank you for your visit and insightful comment, which adds greatly to this essay. I agree that the consumerist mindset can take away from the true meaning behind many of the days our cultures honor.
I continue to be so impressed by the writing in your corner. Congratulations on your Apprenticeship. Hugs, Maria
Dear Maria,
we don't celebrate Thanksgiving day here. However, a similar festival called Harvest festival is marked in our culture. I find the spirit of thanks giving and harvest festival very similar. However, in the consumerist culture the true meaning of charity has been lost associated with this festival.
Thanks for sharing your perspective.
Cheers
- AUTHOR
Oh Debbie,
Thank you for your visit and your very kind remarks. I also happen to think Faith is an excellent judge of character and friends, as she has selected you, dear heart!
Hope your week is going well. Hugs, Maria
Maria you have the sweetest and purest heart.. your love for your fellow man comes out in your beautiful words.. God Bless you
Faith is so right .. You are wonderful and a wonderful caring writer.
Debbie
- AUTHOR
My Dear Faith,
How much I have grown to love you over these last few months. You are one of the most sincerely beautiful and honorable women that I know.
You give of yourself to friends and family unconditionally. I thank you so much for being such a treasured part of my life and for your visit to this piece of writing.
I am thinking of you and your dear family, hoping your sister is especially feeling stronger by the day. Love always, Maria
My Dearest Maria,
Your precious, precious heart just shines through your lovely written words here. You are an amazing charitable woman and friend who gives tirelessly to others around you.
I know your heart aches for others . . .
I am one who is so very glad you are you!
Please know that you, your family and your dear sister-in-law have been in my thoughts and prayers.
Your words written from your heart here and that first video really have the tears flowing now.
Voted up ++++ and sharing
God bless. In His Love Always, Faith Reaper
- AUTHOR
Dear Mary,
Good luck with the program. It will be fun to work with you whenever you have the time later in the year. Love, Maria
It is a six month course and I am in month two. I still have not heard back from my mentor but you and your fellow 'perspectivers' are in my thoughts. I'll keep you posted. Thank you for being you.
- AUTHOR
Mary,
First of all, I have recently noticed your Apprentice badge and I am so happy and proud for you. I believe you have the determination and skill to accomplish this and I do not want you to deviate from your course.
The Perspectives have a schedule for most of this year and we hope to keep up even after that...please consider us when you have graduated so you can have fun with us. I can share the schedule now or whenever you wish, my dear friend.
And, again, congratulations...you go girl! Love, Maria
I am truly honored at your request Maria but I have to check with HP to see if I am allowed to write hubs outside of the Apprentice Program while I am in the program. (This is month two with four more to go.)
- AUTHOR
What a very kind and beautiful comment, dear Genna. Thank you so very much for stopping by.
Hoping 2013 is filled with happiness, peace and good health for you and yours. Hugs, Maria
It is amazing what a genuine, loving touch can achieve. And hearing is not the same thing as listening. A charitable spirit is one who “senses” with the mind as much as the heart. There is an intuitive center of calm wisdom and compassion that comes to the fore in very stressful situations. You have this rare gift. A beautiful hub, dear Maria, and one that is so timely. Thank you. And Merry Christmas! :-)
- AUTHOR
Good Morning, Y'all,
Michelle, I totally agree with you. Helping others is one of the best things we can do to help ourselves.
Nell, I also feel the most quiet acts of love and charity are the most meaningful.
Moonlake, Thanks for the votes...you are so correct in that nothing about kindness is difficult.
Rosemary, You are such a decent and good friend. I knew this piece would match your philosophy of life.
Ishwaryaa, Thanks to you as well for the votes and your remarks.
Hoping you all have a blessed Christmas. Thanks for all of your comments and good thoughts. Hugs, Maria
A wonderful hub! I agree with your wise insights. Even the simplest of deeds makes a huge difference. Well-done!
Merry Christmas to you & your family!
Thanks for SHARING. Beautiful & Interesting. Voted up
A beautiful piece Maria, moving and poignant . Sometimes all we can offer is a hand to hold, just being there for someone, giving them some of our strength. And we do find incredible strength in times of need, Reaching out and holding a hand can make such a difference.
You are a beautiful soul Maria and give of yourself willingly to help others. May you and yours be blessed this special time of year.
Great hub Maria, It's not hard to be kind touching someone's hand is the right and kind thing to do. Voted up
Awesome hub maria, to be kind but quiet about helping someone, or to be just there to hold their hand is I believe the most wonderful thing anybody can do, we don't need to yell it from the rafters, just quietly help, voted up and amazing, nell
If everyone were to take the service to others instead of the "I, me, myself" attitude, and realize that there is more than enough in this beautiful world to go round, this would be a better place to live. Thanks for this thought provoking read this evening! I share!
- AUTHOR
How charitable you are to me after I have been such a stranger of your fine writing.
You are a good friend, dear Alastar and I thank you for your most kind remarks.
May you and yours have a peaceful, blessed Christmas as well,
Hugs, Maria
The higher evolved civilization and the people within it must be service-to-others vs service-to-self oriented. You have a need to understand the whole question and do so so very nicely Marie. That's more than an intuition too by the way. Merry Happy Christmas to you and all my friend!
- AUTHOR
Rasma,
This is a beautiful comment from a beautiful lady. Thank you so much and hoping your Christmas is joyful and peaceful.
Hugs, Maria
Maria you make me want to sing all the Christmas carols one after another. So inspirational so wonderful. Great videos especially I love Lean on Me. Inspired to tears and really enjoyed this. May this holiday season bring the joy and spirit of Christmas to one and all and may loving hands reach out to those in need. Hugs. Passing this on.
- AUTHOR
Svetlana, Thank you for coming back. I know you will not forget your friends, who are here for you...yet I am glad you are focusing on your priorities. You are worth the investment.
Lovedoctor, So nice to see you and your wonderful comments. Hope you have a wonderful, blessed holiday.
Linda, You truly touch me with your words and I am so grateful that we have gotten to know each other of late. Merry Christmas to you too!
Break of Dawn, Thank you for this genuine and heartwarming comment. You are a lovely lady and I wanted you to know your card means the world, just like you.
Hoping you all have a peaceful and good day. Hugs, Maria
This is a beautiful and poignant hub, carrying a powerful message. It's such a simple act of compassion to give someone a hug or hold someones hand. This touch is so healing for our soul - both for the giver and the receiver. Maria, you are an amazing woman. You are like this beautiful and spiritual angel, touching everyone you meet with your genuine kindness, wisdom and love. You give of yourself, without expecting anything in return, a beautiful trait. You are a true Blessing to everyone. Such a sweet Angel!
Blessings and a big hug to you from me.
Maria, your spirit shines so brightly. This is such a beautiful hub and appropriately "touched" me. Sometimes we forget the value of human touch but it is the most simple, loving act we have to give. I just love this hub and will try harder to apply its principles in my day to day life. Thank you for being YOU. Merry Christmas Maria.
A beautiful hub. I love the message here. Stop the blame game.. good one. I notice many people like to do this. Merry Christmas and all the best. doc
Thank you, Teresa, for your understanding. I can't stop apologizing - it is an innate trait, but I think I apologize for things that I do or fail to do rather than for how I feel. I can't help either.
And the improvement won't be an overnight arrangement - that is for sure. I don't have a viable plan yet. Believe me, stopping taking medication is enough of an act of courage. I don't yet know if I am capable of pulling this off. I had my good and solid reasons for doing so, but depression with a flavour is a tough thing. I am still hoping things will get better.
Well, until then, rest assured, my falling off the face of the earth does not translate into forgetting my friends. It only translates into lying low and inaction.
Take care,
Love and hugs,
Svetlana
- AUTHOR
Randi, I appreciate your kind words and have been so impressed with your writing.
Mark, Thank you very much for stopping by. I am anxious to check out the writing you have been doing for H.O.W. on the website.
Mohan, Your words warm me as if I am sitting in front of a fireplace with you chatting. You are such a wonderful man, talented writer and good friend.
Svetlana, It means the world that you have visited. Let's both make a deal to stop apologizing for how we feel. From the bottom of my heart, I want you to feel better. However, I realize this is not an overnight arrangement. I appreciate and cherish your honesty and friendship, and am always around. This, BTW, would not make you a "charity case". Love, Teresa
Ruby, I knew you would love Dianna...I can honestly visualize a "bridge of kindness" when I think of compassionate friends like you.
Tom, I am still giggling at your Christmas greeting. Although I am way overdue for a visit, you are truly one of my kindest and most supportive friends on HP.
Sue, Thank you for your beautiful remarks and for sharing.
Ruchira, I share your wish...when Christmas is truly every day of the year in our actions. I appreciate your sharing
Deb, From someone with a heart as big as your, I thank you so much...also for the share.
Hoping everyone enjoys a blessed and peaceful Holiday season.
Hugs, Maria
Marie.. well blessings to you this is wonderful write..If all of us would just bound together and help at least one person.. how great this world would be..
This is just in time for Christmas
I love your heart.. it speaks to us all
sharing
Merry Christmas
Debbioe
Beautiful and inspiring piece with regards to Charity, Maria.
I wish Man would believe in charity year round and not just focus on the month of December. Imagine the number of lives, we could touch and change with this spirit...Amen!
voted up way way up!! and sharing it across
Hi Maria,
A touch, one heart speaking to another heart.
Voted up and away and sharing
Hugs, Sue
Hi my friend, such a beautifully written hub from a very beautiful and caring person, with a very awesome message all wrapped up within this well written hub to make it a very wonderful read and to help put things in prospective . Well done !
Vote up and more !!!
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas ! :-)
So beautiful, I am so in tune with you. Reach out and touch someone is perhaps the most beautiful lyric ever written. The time has never been more important. We must build a bridge of kindness that will reach across the world. Thank you my beautiful friend..
Dear Teresa:
This is a great hub, warm and touching. Indeed, the smallest act of kindness is that what we should aim for every day.
I am sorry for disappearing - I don't feel too hot at the moment and I feel sick of being sick and sick of apologizing.
I've read somewhere that people like me are in the perpetual state of grief of the lost former self or the self of what one could have been if not for the ....
I just crawl, day-by-day, hoping tomorrow will be better.
It is a peculiar thing with charity - it is easier to give than to take. Or maybe it is just the expression "I don't want to be a charity case"?
Anyway, I think your article has touched on the most important points.
Nicely done,
Love and hugs,
Svetlana
You always know how to bring out the humanity in us Mar. Your beautiful, poignant, humane take on any subject effortlessly glides into our souls and lifts us up to higher echelons of being. Away from the mediocrity and mean spiritedness, into love and charitable spirits. That is because, you, Maria, write as you think- warm, generous, humane, intelligent and inspiring. All I want for Christmas, is you. As my friend. I'm so proud. thank you.
Great writing and tips Maria. I think many of us are like you in turning off our emotions and just doing what needs to be done in stressful situations. I certainly have done that at times in my life.
Thank you for the great perspective, Mark
Wow! what an overwhelmingly beautiful hub! So much to think about! Thank you for sharing this all-important hub! Up+
- AUTHOR
Good Morning, All,
Mary, I had just noticed your "A" and I want to congratulate you...I am so impressed with this program and you are a natural. Please consider writing for this group when things are a bit calmer...we hope to write monthly for a long while to come. Mickey or I can let you know our topics through the year any time.
Linda, I totally agree with your comment. "Just do it" is a marvelous expression that applies. And you are an awesome example of this life philosophy.
Car51, Always appreciate your visits and supportive comments.
CrisSp, I will enjoy checking out your hub...sounds like my cup of tea. As I told Mary above, please let Mickey or me know any time you have the time to write with us...that would be fabulous.
Sunkentreasure, Thank you for sharing this beautiful poem.
Teaches, What a beautiful and kind comment. The Five for Fighting song really gets to me as well, every time.
Honey, I don't know you well but I am quite sure you are a most kind and caring friend to have.
Pamela, Thank you so much. I know what a compassionate nurse you are and that you could relate to this.
Hoping you all have a peaceful Sunday and a Merry Christmas.
Hugs, Maria
Maria, I certainly relate to your sentiments of the role of a nurse. Therapeutic touch is so important. Sometimes we get patients, especially widows or widowers that haven't been hugged or touched in a long while. When you can take just those few moments to reach out it can change someones life, at least for that moment. This is a beautifully written and powerful hub. Thanks. Merry Christmas.
This is beautiful. I love the hand holding part because it is such a powerful show of friendship and care. Thanks for sharing.
Pushed all the buttons on this beautiful post. I love your encouragement and wisdom in this article. Yes, even heroes bleed! Love the video on this as well. You have touched me with this truth today. Hope many catch this so that change can happen for all of us going forward. Blessings.
A BEAUTIFUL GIFT FOR GOD By BERNARD LEVINE
When you sacrifice something
to give to the needy
When you teach a child how to pray
When you go out of your way
to help a stranger
It's a beautiful gift for God.
When you speak God's Words
and bring light on the world
When you heal the heart of the suffering
When you show kindness to those hurting
How wonderful and precious that moment is.
When you bring hope into someone's life
When you bless the poor with your love
When you make God your number 1
You bring joy into heaven.
© Bernard Levine
I think to gracefully live with a purpose is my 2013 perspective in life, in line with my very recent hub (Aging Graciously). I am tempted to join...depending on my flight schedules. However, this hub is very encouraging.
I commend you on this very soulful, touching and caring hub Maria. May you continue to be blessed and be a blessing to others.
Voted up and useful and will be passing along.
Love from the sky~
A beautiful message for this beautiful season! May a charitable spirit enable us to generously share with others now and always!
Amen MM, Amen. It doesn't take much to be charitable and do a good deed as long as they come from the heart. In my opinion the best deeds are unspoken ones. One shouldn't need to announce what they've done nor should they expect a pat on the back. It doesn't need to be shouted from the rooftops, just do it. It's that simple. Awesome hub!
You, my dear friend, are a gift! Your love and compassion shine through in everything you do and this hub is further proof! I follow your philosphys because that is who I am..clam when needed...I'll fall apart later. Touching and holding hands is the best way to convey feeling and support. This was a totally awesome read!
Voted up, useful, awesome, and interesting. Shared too.
P.S If I wasn't a new apprentice I would have taken you up on your offer to join you wonderful writers!!!
- AUTHOR
Good Afternoon, Y'all,
Kimmie, You have been a true delight to work with. Your perspective is as charming and introspective as you. Thanks, girlfriend.
Mickey, Another month and we have yet to kill each other...now THAT is the charitable spirit, boss man! You know you mean the world to me!
Sha, Despite this being a difficult month, you have been amazingly positive and consistently a supportive friend. I love your perspective and you too!
Martie, Your comments humble me. You are the truest of friends and Sistas, wrapped into one!
Bill, You could not be more correct about composure being a true gift, when times are tough. And I know we both freely cry like babies as well, when all is said and done...which is super healthy!
Eddy, Your contributions to H.O.W. are just as special as you. I appreciate your visit here today.
Cathy, How lovely to meet you and thank you for your kind comments.
Mike, Thank you for picking up one of my key points. We are all capable of "the amazing" with our inner strength, when push comes to shove.
Hoping everyone has a peaceful weekend and thanks for stopping by.
Hugs, Maria
Hello Maria. This is a powerful Perspective. Even perspective. I am reminded of Clark Kent and Superman. Mild mannered Clark Kent, just a meek ordinary guy, but when need be he draws on incredible strength. As life progresses, we are each called on and are expected to display incredible strength. Your writing here reminded me of this in a very clear and precise way.
Very beautiful hub. It's the everyday things that we do for each other, a touch, hug, smile or just listening that is important too.
Thanks for the reminder.
This is a wonderful hub Maria and I cannot believe it took me till last Thursday before I joined Billy's wonderful cause.
I vote up ,across and share all around. Here's to so many more for us both to share on here.
Have a great weekend.
Eddy.
I only have time for a very few comments today, but yours needs to be one of them. This is a beautiful message. I have always been a person that you would want around during a moment of crisis. Like you, I call on my own composure and strength during times of chaos; I believe that gives support to others, so I shut off my emotions at those times. It is a gift, and I'm sure you consider it the same.
Thank you for this powerful message! Blessings and hugs to you, today and always.
bill
This is a touching hub about the charitable spirit, emphasized with beautiful songs. So true: Therapeutic and loving touch is more important than ever for the person in need of charity. So often holding someone's hand is ALL I can give in specific circumstances.
Marcoujor, you are one of a handful of people with a true and honest charitable spirit. Even online you never miss an opportunity to give of yourself to someone in need of kindness and charity in the form of support, encouragement and advice. Thank you for being always there for me, giving of yourself in spite of all your responsibilities.
Maria, touch is so important. A hug can ease the pain or let it flow until the pain subsides. This is a very touching hub (no pun intended!). Once again you have let your kind heart flow onto these pages.
Merry Christmas my dear friend!
Right off the bat you hit the nail on the head with your phrase, "situationally charitable" - that is the pathway to evil.
Thank you Maria and other fellow perspective writers for allowing me to be a guest writer for this month. I loved your hub on Charity. You being the wonderful, caring, nurse and human being you are, you are a natural. We always think we can do more but living with a charitable spirit everyday is the one gift I know you have and use daily in all you do.
God bless,
Sunnie
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