Review of "One Simple Act: Discovering the Power of Generosity," by Debbie Macomber, 2009. New York: Howard Books, Div. of Simon & Schuster. Paper.
In 17 chapters, Debbie Macomber gives us dozens of great examples of persons sharing their time, money, and resources to help others. In many cases, the people have not even intended to be so generous. However, something overcomes them.
Macomber talks about a "God nudge" that helps us remember to be nice to others and help them when they are in need. One nice example is how a woman helps a homeless man by giving him food. She thinks of her son who has a problem with drug addiction and who is out there somewhere, needing a meal. She thinks of him getting money and buying his next fix -- instead of buying something to eat. So she buys a passing stranger something to eat -- and feels less helpless about her son's situation.
I have come to meet many, many very generous people in the last few years. Often, I could swear God has sent them right at the perfect time. Just like when I am praying to find my daily lucky penny… and look down at the sidewalk only to see a quarter.
God has a sense of humor. God knows if you do. God also knows you need to meet generous and helpful individuals who will go out of their way to help you. I have met persons hand-picked by God to help me—specifically me! How cool is that?
I have met some idiots too, but I do not know how to help them. Sometimes I give them a lecture, sometimes I try to teach them to behave better. However, mostly I spend my energy working with/working on people who seem to be able to function and learn more easily and incorporate those individuals more and more in my circles and networks.
Macomber uses many examples of people somehow suddenly thinking of ways to help. She connects this to Christian examples of good deeds, and she provides reminders of Christ telling us to help our fellow man. And woman.
There are people who help and there are people in need. And both groups are everywhere. To find a good place in Chicago to donate your items you know longer need—but still have some use in them—please go to the following page: https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Clothing+Donations&find_loc=Chicago%2C+IL
To conduct your own search, go to this page and enter your item in the left box (e.g. food pantry) and then change to whatever location you wish in the right box to find reliable places to help others:
https://www.yelp.com/
By the way, a great company to buy socks from is “Bombas” being well known for donating one pair of socks for every pair sold. Bombas socks make a fantastic gift for everybody on your list.
This is not an advertisement. It is a plea. As you may know, socks are one of the most commonly-requested items from agencies and shelters serving the homeless. That company has donated a ton of socks! And at the core of their mission is helping people who do not have a suitable place to live. On their website, they explain “We’ve donated more than 50 million items to more than 3,500 community organizations to date—all thanks to supporters like you” (https://bombas.com/pages/about-us).
God nudges us every day. I can tell you about more than dozens of examples. I can tell you about a kerfillion examples.