Dear Friend,
Are you feeling glad to live in these times? Or are you feeling discouraged? In my prayer meeting team this week, we talked about the onslaught of a discouraging atmosphere across nations. People are feeling frustrated, and there doesn’t seem to be a break in the endless stream of alarming and devastating news.
“Be of good courage”, the Lord says, “I have overcome the world”. There are many things we would not fully understand unless in retrospect. In these times, more than ever, you need to connect to a source higher than you.
Find your way back to the one who changes not, the God of heaven and earth, in whom there is no darkness.
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In a world that often emphasizes personal success, achievement, and self-improvement, it’s easy to overlook one of the most powerful sources of happiness — giving back.
Whether it’s through volunteering, mentoring, donating, or simply showing kindness, generosity doesn’t just benefit others — it deeply nourishes our own sense of purpose and well-being.
Try slowing down to let someone in when you drive, hold the door open for someone, or pay for someone’s groceries —see how they light up, see how you feel. It lights a fire in your soul that is very difficult to put out.
Imagine a world where that was normal, where people gave freely of what they could, not just money, but heart, time, energy, gifts, opportunities, blessings, wisdom, and access.
Why Giving Back Feels So Good
To give is to show love to our neighbour, to make someone feel that they are seen. You often “see” first and then meet the need that has been identified. To see another with the eye that responds to that need. Unfortunately, many see, but many also don’t respond. In not responding positively, with generosity, have we really seen?
We can excuse our lack of response in so many ways, just like the people who were invited to a banquet and had all sorts of excuses for not attending, all valid, but not enough reason to miss the banquet, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Every opportunity to give should be seen as an invitation to partake of a banquet, because we benefit greatly from the exchange.
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When we help others, our brains release “feel-good” hormones such as dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin. These are the same chemicals associated with happiness and stress relief. This is often called the “helper’s high” — the warm, satisfying feeling that comes from making a positive impact. Do you remember how it feels to give a gift? How happy does it make you feel to see the delight in the eyes of the recipient?
But beyond the chemical boost, giving back connects us to something bigger than ourselves. It reminds us that we have value to offer and that our actions, no matter how small, can make a difference in someone’s life.
Giving Back Strengthens Mental Health
People who regularly engage in acts of kindness report lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, improvement in physical health indices, stronger personal and professional relationships, in the long run, and improved quality of life. Giving back creates a sense of belonging and combats loneliness — something many people struggle with today.
When we give, we shift our focus from what we lack to what we can offer. This change in perspective fosters gratitude, resilience, and emotional balance — all key ingredients for long-term mental wellness.
Opportunities for true Generosity
We have explored the concept and its advantages so far, and I think it’s nice to have examples of ways to participate in putting good in the world. It doesn’t always require money or grand gestures it can be simple, intentional, and deeply personal. Here are a few ideas:
- Volunteer your time. Offer your skills at a local shelter, community group, or non-profit organization. Help your colleague with a project, give a ride home, offer to pick up lunch, or take up extra house chores.
- Mentor someone. Share your knowledge with a younger colleague or student who needs guidance. There are many formal and informal opportunities for this. Check in regularly with someone who can benefit from your life experience, be kind and not judgmental.
- Donate mindfully. Support causes that resonate with your values and experiences. Think about which charities or communities add value to your life, and support the work they do. Lots of them do monthly partnerships, and it’s so rewarding to see your little do so much for others.
- Practice small kindness. Compliment someone, listen with empathy, or check in on a friend. Many times you think about someone,and you are busy, make a point to drop them a hello within the week.
- Join community initiatives. Participate in clean-ups, charity runs, or awareness campaigns. Check your local Facebook group and join in on community efforts to foster generosity. It multiplies back to you.
These are by no means an exhaustive list of examples, but somewhere to start if you’d struggle to find opportunities to show generosity. Each act strengthens your sense of connection and purpose, which directly contributes to personal growth and emotional fulfillment.
The Ripple Effect of Generosity
Giving back doesn’t just improve individual well-being — it creates a ripple effect that extends to families, communities, and even workplaces. When people give, they inspire others to do the same, creating a culture of compassion and collective prosperity and well-being.
The idea that giving depletes your resources is indeed small-minded. The idea that some people are givers and you are not is actually something you should not entertain.
You can learn to be generous by practicing it. Think about it, buy someone lunch today, who didn’t expect it. You can do it. Actively decided to give as much or even more than you take from people.
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In Conclusion
Imagine if more people led with kindness, generosity, and empathy — our communities would become healthier, more united, and more supportive environments for everyone.
True well-being isn’t just about self-care; it’s also about shared care. When we pour generosity into our communities, it grows, and we can reap its fruit too. We’re reminded that happiness isn’t found in isolation, but in connection.
It’s not about how much you have, but how much of yourself you share.
So, take a moment today — give your time, your love, your attention — and watch how your own joy begins to grow.
Until next time — stay warm, stay growing, stay loving, stay whole.
With love and light,
Amaka
