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 this 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. 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.
God nudges us every day. I can tell you about more than dozens of examples.
I can tell you about a kerfillion examples.