Times are difficult for so many people.  Huge unemployment, record breaking gas prices and a general sense of unease have made many of us fearful. We just are not sure what the future will bring.

We thought that by 2011 things would have gotten better and for many of us things have. Yet that nervousness of the bottom dropping out still plagues us…..it still lingers.

I have at times over the past year felt hesitant to give, donate or share.  It shames me to write that, but it is the truth.  At times I have felt that fear. That feeling of lack-the false sense that if I hold on tightly to what I have things will be ok, if not better.

It was so not true.

Conventional wisdom tells me to hold on tight, holding my coins tightly in my hand and to ignore the pain and suffering of others. Spiritual wisdom tells me to give freely and even to give more especially when I feel that I cannot. This wisdom tells me to dig deeper and connect with those in need. It tells me help in all ways I can—emotionally, financially and spiritually.

Giving is a powerful practice.

Thousands of people around the world live out their faith and love for humanity by donating to causes that are important to them.  They give $5, $10, $15 dollars to feed the hungry, care for the sick and elderly or support children in after school programs. They are heroes and the heart and soul of the philanthropy movement. 

These are not the Bill Gates and Warren Buffets of the world. These are the Joe and Jane Johnsons, those folks that live next door to us. Our neighbors and friends.  These are the members of our synagogues, churches and mosques. Through their generosity communities are built and families are transformed.

These donors are the heart of our movements.

These small monthly or weekly donations are just as important (if not more important) than the $100,000 gift.  Through  generosity and sacrifice these donors  become deeply engaged and become  advocates and ambassadors. The majority of these donors are motivated not by recognition but by their passion and compassion.

Today I recognize the power, energy and sacrifice of $5 or $10 gift to transform and liberate. It is truly the giving of love.  This is giving  that reflects our desire to never give up on one another.

This post is part of a blog series inspired by World Give Day and hosted by GiveForward.  To find other posts in this series please visit www.worldgiveday.com or follow the hashtag #giveday.