Tuesday, April 1, 2014

#AtoZChallenge - Altruism and Proverbs 31


(thanks to Jeremy @ Being Retro for the original button design, to dictionary.com for the definitions, and to picmonkey.com for the ability to customize the graphics.)



~~~oOo~~~

Two verses from Proverbs 31 show altruism:

15.  She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household and a portion to her maidens.

These are the people we know - our family, our friends.  We get up early to make them breakfast, we stay up all night with them when they are sick.  We drive across town to give them a ride when their car is not working.

20.  She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

Most of these people?  We probably don't know them.  When asked to deny ourselves or change our goals for the welfare of someone we don't know, it gets more difficult.

~~~oOo~~~

It's not a matter of time, talent, or money.  Everyone has something they can give or do to make someone else's life a little better - today! Maybe it's a meal for a homeless family.  Maybe it's money for a cause or arts organization.  Maybe it's a kind word to someone who has had a hard day.

Every single person reading this post, every single blogger participating the the A to Z Challenge, every single person in the world can do something to make the world a little better ... for everybody.

So, how are you going to altruistically change the world today?  Inspire us in the comments!

63 comments:

  1. I try not to pass up an opportunity to encourage or be kind. I'm not person and I get a bit self-centric some days so posts like this help remind me to reach out a bit more. Thanks for the post.

    *~MAJK~*
    A-to-Z Challenge 2014
    Mighty Minion of Co-Host Nicole Ayers
    @Safireblade on Twitter
    http://www.safireblade.com/

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    1. UR welcome, Nichole! (And remember, a little bit of self interest is not a bad thing. That's why on airplanes they tell adults to put their masks on first, before they try to help children.) Our energy has got to come from somewhere, right? :O) Happy A to Z-ing!

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  2. Thought provoking. I like those verses; they were part of what was read at my grandmother's funeral years ago. I'll have to see what today brings!

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    1. Thanks so much for visiting, Donna! I love those days when not every moment is defined and anything can happen! U ROCK for being open to the possibilities!

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  3. We keep a listening ear and make ourselves available, but it's not always easy to do.

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    1. You are so right, Sharon. Just remember that we are not called on to run faster than we are able. You are ahead of the curve just by being willing! Happy A to Z-ing! :O)

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  4. Thanks for the inspiring post to start us off.
    I normally am the one who gets on a plane; if I could I would go to Crimea to take food to dear friends I have served with. Since I only have one limb that works (three are down after an accident) it is still my job to pray and ask others to pray as well. Anyone reading this comment please pray for those who are now trapped in a world that was once their home.

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    1. You are a VERY inspiring world-changer, Moon, and it would be my pleasure to pray for your request. Thank you for ringing in A to Z with me! *hugs*

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  5. In some ways altruitim is a lost art, but I do know people who continue to help others. I like to help others when I can. Sometimes being helpful is just talking to an older person who is lonely, or doing some volunteer work at a senior rest home. I did that years ago in high school, and volunteering at such places is a fun way to give back, even if you do not have a lot of money to donate to others. Anyway, I am visiting because you are below me on the A to Z Challenge List, so I hope you have fun with this blogathon.

    Sweetbearies Art Photography

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    1. Great ideas, J! When I visited my mother in her care facility before she passed, if we were in a public part of the place, residents kind of gathered and smiled wherever someone had a visitor. It was heartening and sad all at the same time. WTG!

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  6. Very nice words to start the day. Thank you for posting.

    It's tough to say how I will altruistically change the world today, but hopefully when the opportunity presents itself, I will be wise enough to recognize it and act on it. :)

    Good luck in the A to Z challenge. I wrote my "A" article on Amateur Sleuths. http://jcgatlin.com/2014/04/01/amateur-sleuths-how-your-next-door-neighbor-solves-crimes/

    Talk you later!
    JC

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    1. Well, JC, for one thing, you are helping to make my day by leaving a comment! Thanks so much! And when the right opportunity presents itself, you will know! Let's ROCK April!

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  7. I love to pay it forward whenever I can. I love to help others when I can, even if I don't know I've helped them. Both of my blogs are my way of encouraging others that they are not alone, that they too can find the positives to get through the rough patches. I just wish I could reach more people. :)

    Jamie Dement (LadyJai)
    My A to Z
    Caring for My Veteran

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    1. Thanks so much for your support, LadyJai! You are a wonderful encourager and a precious resource for people who are hurting. Sending good 'expanding your reach' vibes your way!

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  8. Nice post...some good thoughts here. Look forward to reading more of your posts.

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  9. I spent many, many years focusing on caring solely for my family and serving others... and it totally burned me out. I guess I'm in a season of healing and focusing on my well-being. I've finally added myself to that list of people who should be cared for and realized that it's not selfish to do so. At this point in life, I am open to helping others, but not willing to sacrifice myself in the process.

    Julie @ Julie 2 Jules
    A= Eating on Autopilot

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    1. You bring up a very important point, Julie. If there is no oil in our own lamps, we cannot shine for others. Many people forget that they, too, are worthy of blessings flowing their own way. Sending best thoughts and prayers for your journey!

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  10. Love it! I'm currently fundraising for a 5k I'll be running next week, which funds scholarships.

    Happy A day, wHooligan!

    AJ @ Naturally Sweet
    an A-Z Co-host blog

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    1. So...is it online fundraising, or in -person, or what? Hmmm? :O)

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  11. Altruism. Great word! Hadn't looked into it in that context before. Makes sense! :)

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    1. Ok, David. You caught me. When I came up with my theme, I searched for "good character traits", because some of the letters were HARD! :O)

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  12. We were just talking about this in my Sunday School class this week (although none of us used the word altruistic LOL). We talked about how our society has become so self-focused that we don't use our time to do things for others because we get upset that *my* time is being interrupted. But Jesus didn't keep a day planner; He helped whoever needed it when they needed it.

    TaMara
    A fellow AJ's AtoZ wHooligan
    Tales of a Pee Dee Mama

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    1. That's one I have to remind myself about all the time. Something for me to work on. Thanks for the sister wHooligan support, TaMara. U R GREAT!

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  13. I have a box filled with items to be sent to US troops in Afghanistan sitting on my love seat to be shipped. You can get soldier addresses at anysoldier.com. I need to tape that sucker up and get it to the post office right quick! Thanks for the reminder! :)

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    1. Thanks so much for sharing that link, Ava! Woman's World magazine also shares a similar organization each week. It's amazing that things just taking up space in our homes can be so valued by others.

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  14. This is going to be interesting - checking out all your words. Lovely start, LuAnn.
    Jemima
    #TeamDamyanti
    Blogging from Alpha to Zulu in April!

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    1. Thanks, Jemima! After I posted my theme, I got to thinking...y'know, it's not just us ladies that show these great qualities, so I'm going back through the making the posts for everybody.

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  15. Thank you so much for the kind words , I love your blog , good luck with the challenge . I'm rooting for ya.

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    1. Thanks for your support, Chrystal! Happy "B"-day tomorrow! *lol*

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  16. Thank you so much for the connection, I so appreciate your comments love your Blog. Good luck with the a to z challenge , I'm rooting for you:)

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  17. Fantastic way to start the challenge, LuAnn. I always tell my kids they should do one nice thing for someone each day instead of sniping at each other.

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    1. Thanks, Richard. That is so true! Leave your blog url next time so I can visit back? :O)

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  18. My day was spent working with my special needs kids in my
    classroom. They keep us busy and it is fun to see them
    blossom and grow.

    M :)

    Country Dreaming

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    1. Great work, Melinda! Having worked with special needs adults, I can so appreciate the work you do. The world needs more great teachers like you!

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  19. Stopping by from the A-Z Challenge. I agree that we can all do something even if it is something small. My main act is donating platelets twice a month as it is something I can freely give and its something that can help someone in need.

    Sean at His and Her Hobbies

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    1. Excellent, Sean! Every once in a while I hear calls for blood donors because some hospital's supply is running low, which is kind of sad. Or sometimes, if someone has an upcoming operation, his or her friends can donate blood in their name to help defray some of the cost for their friend. Excellent way to help out!

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  20. Awesome "A" post! --Hmm, something altruistic I'll do ...I don't know off hand but I will! :)

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    1. Good for you, Jinky! And don't worry about having to come up with something. The universe has a way of gifting us with opportunities for service. :O)

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  21. I always look for that unexpected opportunity. Paying the toll for the guy behind me. Opening a door for a person with her hands full. Waving back to a child in a passing car.

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    1. Way to go, Scott! You are an inspiration and a great example ... and a fount of information on the Old American West!

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  22. Looks like a fun challenge you are working on. I'm going to love reading along. What a beautiful topic you chose to kick it off, LuAnn! I try to be a good example in this area for my children. I think the more they see us give, it becomes natural for them.

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    1. Excellent reminder, Candace. I learned that the hard way with a not-so-good habit I passed along and had to work twice as hard to reverse. I love those stories you see ni the news about kids going above and beyond for others!

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  23. A simple thing that I do is say the other person's name...whether it be a waitress, a cashier, or a teller. A lot of people in service positions never are affirmed in that way. People don't even make eye contact with them. I also ask if I can pray with them if they are having a bad day.

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    1. Wonderful, wonderful ideas, Helen! I try to do the same with customer service people on the phone. I don't know if it is more sad or funny that they are so amazed!

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  24. Good lesson to start off the challenge with. :) Thanks for visiting my blog yesterday.

    KC @ The Occasional Adventures of a Hermit
    hermitadventures{at}gmail.com

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    1. Thanks KC. I'm enjoying your journey through the paranormal too!

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  25. I donated to a fundraiser and am also doing a challenge walk of my own!

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    1. You GO girl! I did a walk-a-thon once ... but that's a story for another day! *lol* Keep on rockin' the A to Z, Kate!

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  26. Beautiful... =)
    ~Jamie, from A-Z Challenge.

    http://jamiebarone.wordpress.com

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    1. Thanks, Jamie. I am enjoying your take on living with love.

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  27. Thank you for coming by my blog today!! I have been having trouble 'following' blogs and I am not sure why but another blogger mentioned the same thing so I am going to add you to my blog roll so I can keep track of you!

    I love this!!! So very true - we can all do something each day to make the world better. Today I gave to a young adult so she could go on missions since I can't go right now. :)
    http://hammockinthehoneysuckle.blogspot.com/2014/04/all-worth-it.html

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    1. Beautiful, CLR! Great way to show care and devotion for others.

      Sorry you are having problems following blogs. There is an #AZchat on Twitter tomorrow (I think) and probably someone could help you clear that up.

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  28. I'm not really sure how I'm going to be altruistic today, or any day. But I really enjoy these proverbs. They're definitely something to mull over.

    Sopphey

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    1. We're all learning, and doing. Somedays I don't feel particularly altruistic myself. You have a great way of thinking.

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  29. What a great, selfless reminder. We sometimes forget that there are many little things we can do for others every single day.

    Jessica
    Visions of Other Worlds

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  30. Love only grows by sharing. You can only have more for yourself by giving it away to others! Very inspiring and thought provoking post, LuAnn :) ♥

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  31. It's not often you see true altruism nowadays, but that just makes it all the more special when you do see it. You're right; even a kind word can make all the difference.

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  32. Loved this post...would like to share something that someone had forwarded long back but it still has a strong impression on me...

    A Poor Man Asked Buddha,
    "Why Am I So Poor?".
    The Buddha Said,
    "You Do Not Learn To Give".

    The Surprised Poor Man Said,
    " I Don't Have Anything To Give!?!"

    Buddha Smilingly Said:
    "You Have A Few Things.

    The Face - Which Can Give Smile;
    Your Mouth - Which Can Praise Or Comfort Others;
    Your Heart - It Can Open Up To Others.
    Your Eyes - Can Look At Others With Love, Compassion And Affection;
    Your Body - Which Can Be Used To Serve Others, By Doing Petty And Manageable Work"

    Buddha Said,
    "Now You See, We Are Not Poor At All...
    The Poverty Of Spirit, Is The Real Poverty".
    Focus On The Good.
    You Will Feel Good; Do Good And Share Good

    Stay Blessed,
    Garima
    www.garima82.wordpress.com

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  33. Very interesting post. I am glad I could read it.

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  34. Love that you chose Altruism. I love your examples, everyone has a talent they can share with others. Service is such a blessing for people. You'd probably enjoy my other blog better: http://yaykisspurr.wordpress.com/

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