Contribution

Have you ever heard of the saying, ‘to whom much is given, much is expected?’

When I was in the beginning stages of my career there were many mentors that came into my life who I looked up to. I can remember the cars they drove, the clothes they wore and the homes they lived in that came from the wealth they had created. I remember thinking that these people had really ‘made it’ and as I could see, they? were tasting the drips of honey from the Promised Land.?

I will never forget the time that I went to meet one of my mentors.? He lived in another state so I flew to see him.? When I left he handed me a check to cover the cost of my flights. I told him he didn’t need to do that and he said he knew he didn’t have to, but he could and he wanted to.?

I learned a valuable lesson that day. Not only can you buy more material things with wealth, but that it also gives you the ability to contribute to others lives.?

As I have created success for myself over the years, I have been reminded of this lesson along the way to always give back when I have received blessing in my own life.?

Contribution comes in many forms. It can be through tithing and donations or sponsorships. It can be given in the form of knowledge, experience and mentorship, or simply with prayer and worship for others. You don’t have to be rich to acknowledge the blessings you have been given in your life.?

Over the years I have given back in many forms. Currently I sit on many boards including the Pure Hope Foundation and Love Thy Neighbor, as well as participate in the Hispanic 100 mentorship program. These are all causes that hold a special place in my heart that I feel called to contribute to. Some other ways that I contribute is through my worship team at church, speaking in schools as well as funding education projects in developing countries.?

As you can see there are many ways to contribute to your communities and the world.?

Here are my top three tips in finding a way of giving back!?

1. Discover what is important to you. Take some time to look at your values and causes that are close to your heart. Do you have a passion for humanitarian work or influencing the lives of youth? Or perhaps you have a special place in your heart for animals and rescue organizations. Taking time to get clear on what is important to you will help you find and organization or cause that will feel meaningful.?
2. Ask yourself what you have to contribute. Remember, contribution can look like a number of things! Do you have time that you can offer to events or mentorship programs? Or maybe you have years of experience and knowledge to offer on a board of directors, or perhaps you would just like to gift monetary donations to causes that touch your heart. Come up with a reasonable amount of your time, money or resources that you want to give.?
3. Start reaching out and giving! If you don’t know of an organization but have a cause close to your heart, start asking around and do research to find a match that is right for you. Just get out there and give!?

Make giving back a part of your life and witness the blessings tenfold! It’s about getting into a space of abundance and sharing the blessings that God has given you.?

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” - 2 Corinthians 9:6-8