It's no secret that in today's world people are looking for the next "thing" that can fill them with happiness to only find out that the newest gadget, the promotion at work, the long awaited relationship-- that happiness is only temporary. There is a difference between joy and happiness. Happiness is superficial but joy is something that goes down deep. What if I told you the the greatest source of joy comes by giving— not getting? This is very counterintuitive in today's world of the "me", "I" and "selfies".
It can be hard to grasp the significance of giving of your time and resources in a world that is fueled by self-adulation and survival. Why would anyone who is interested in securing their personal wellbeing make the intentional decision to donate things of value to another person or organization no matter how good or worthy the cause? Such thoughts on the surface seem to go against our basest natures and make no logical sense.
That is of course, until you actually do it. The act of giving (no matter what shape or form it takes), is at its heart, selfless. It is a personal denial for the sake of another’s benefit. And if done correctly, it is one of the greatest sources of joy the human heart can experience.
In John 15:13 we are told that “there is no greater love than to lay one’s life down for one’s friends” (NLT).
Most of us have not been taught to put a measure on things like love or joy or sacrifice. Yet, the truth is these intangible treasures actually fulfill us and give our life meaning and purpose.
My Experience
I have had the joy of serving with Uplift Hope as they give of themselves to feed and love on the homeless in Dallas. This is not something someone does to better their station in life or increase their personal standing. It is a willful act to insert yourself into the lives and hearts of those who have been rejected, abused, discarded and cast out.
As a whole, the homeless are often forgotten and regularly overlooked as an insignificant or unimportant part of our society. But that is only until you chose to see them through God’s eyes. And that is what Uplift Hope does so well. They see each life and each soul as a beloved child of God. They do not judge the circumstances or decisions that led to their homelessness. Uplift Hope simply pulls up their bootstraps, joins the homeless where they are at and asks what can I do to help.
To see this kind of love in action is truly a marvel and a wonder. Uplift Hope is a shining example of what it means to bring light into the darkness and hope to the hopeless. And I pray that they continue to receive the support and encouragement they need to keep doing God’s work for years and years to come. They are truly making a difference.
Get Joy Here!
We invite you to be a part of the Uplift Hope community! You can start being filled with the JOY that Jesus talks about from selfless giving today! Click here to see the many ways you can be involved whether that be in giving of your time, money, items needed, etc.
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