Thanksgiving. Established 1789.
Black Friday. 1951.
Cyber Monday. November 28, 2005.
And then came Giving Tuesday.
Created in 2012, the idea was birthed out of a simple desire to encourage and inspire good and generosity. Whether it’s one’s time, voice, or a financial donation… whether it’s making someone smile, showing kindness to a stranger, helping a neighbor, or giving to an organization you believe in, every act of generosity makes a difference. Every individual has the ability to do something to make the world a better place.
I’m not entirely sure who initially came up with this idea or managed to make it a global effort, but I do know this – as wonderful an opportunity as Giving Tuesday is, for those of us whose lives have been changed by Jesus Christ, EVERY DAY is an opportunity for kindness and generosity.
It’s who we are because of Whose we are. It’s the Ultimate Example we’ve been given. He (God the Father) did not even spare His own Son (Jesus) but offered Him up for us all. (Paul, Romans 8:32)
If you then… know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him. (Jesus, Matthew 7:11)
Having said that, allow me to say also… THANK YOU! Thank you for allowing God to bless His church through your faithfulness and generosity. As we continue to do all that God has called us to do as well as partner with those God has called us to support – Essential Pregnancy Center, Live2Give, and Restoration Counseling Space Coast, to name a few – we do so knowing God will meet every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
So whether it’s Tuesday… …or any other day that ends with the letter Y, keep giving, First Baptist!
Share that smile. That kind word.
Help that neighbor. That stranger.
Be His hands and feet. His mouthpiece and His heartbeat.