Winning Words 1/29/10
“No person has ever been honored for what he received. Honor is our reward when we give.” (Calvin Coolidge) I’ve been impressed by how people have come together to give support to the Haitian people in their suffering. Hardly a day goes by that we don’t get a request in the mail for a worthy cause. While we can’t answer them all, we try to do what we can for those in need. Are there causes special to you? ;-) Jack

FROM SH IN MICHIGAN: sustainable farming practices, housing, clothing, other necessities produced and used in a way that is also sustainable. Hope the funds we give to the people of Haiti not only help them to recover from the earthquake but also help them to build a sustainable infrastructure for a more prosperous economy. Probably the charitable contributions won't do it alone, the way our world does economics needs some changing.
Tariffs, subsidies, etc. Maybe we need to give to the poor in new ways that will be honorable. FROM JACK: Text messaging gifts are only one way, but they are a start. The recovery is a story equal to, if not bigger, than the earthquake itself. Haiti is not on the other side of the world, but on our own doorstep.

FROM MKH IN MICHIGAN: There are so many great causes you wish you could do them all! FROM JACK: I feel guilty when I throw some of the request envelopes in the wastebasket, but I answer more than I throw away. We can't do everything, but we can do something. That's what's needed.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Sometimes it's hard to pick which ones are more important...and sometimes it's right in the family. We try. Honor isn't earned by throwing cash though....it's a lot more than money. Money is a short term fix. FROM JACK: You're right. It's not just gifts of "treasure." Time and talent are important, too...maybe even more so.

FROM LG IN MICHIGAN: Hi Jack: the scripture of the day for today seems to send a similar message to your message today. As St. Francis of Assissi stated: "It is in giving that we receive..." Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all." FROM JACK: You're right. It does fit.

FROM PRPH IN ARIZONA: how about MY RETIREMENT retirement fund? well, maybe not) MN Teen Challenge seems to do some amazing work with teens on drugs. also, there is an orphanage down here in Mesa that runs purely on private and outside donations and it too does some incredible work with kids who would otherwise be in a world of hurt. FROM JACK: It seems to me that the divide the haves and the have nots is growing wider. Caring people are needed now.

FROM DP IN MICHIGAN: Hi In answer to your question, our church gave 12000 the first day when the plea for help came..We may be old, but we care! Also, at our Early Bible study the question came as to the difference between knowledge and wisdom..a fellow said, Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit, wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad. thought you might appreciate it. FROM JACK: 12 K is an amazing amount for your congregation. Is a tomato really a fruit?