If you knew you could rescue hundreds of lives from death RIGHT NOW and change the destinies of entire villages RIGHT NOW FOREVER, what would you do?
I spent the past weekend pondering this question as I have been invited to sit on the board of Impact Nations. For those of you who have read my book, you will know Impact Nations is the humanitarian organization that was responsible for creating the opportunity to allow me to go on a “Journey of Compassion” to Nicaragua.
Did you know that for the cost of one night at the movies, or three lunches, or four trips to Starbucks we could save 6-8 lives and change the future of a family in a village forever? How? One water filter for $40.
So what would be stopping you from pulling out your credit card right now?
Maybe it’s because approximately ONE BILLION people in this world do not have clean water and literally thousands will die of causes related to unclean water TODAY.
What difference can we make? Isn’t it kind of like trying to empty a swimming pool with a teaspoon?
And after a few days of pondering, my articulate and eloquent response is…
WHO THE HELL CARES HOW LONG IT TAKES AS LONG AS YOU’RE MAKING AN IMPACT NO MATTER HOW BIG OR SMALL IT IS…
(Pulls out soapbox and stands on top of it)
I believe we all have a responsibility to give in proportion to that which we are given. I did not get to choose to be born in North America with all the affluence and opportunity I enjoy. But I believe that all this opportunity obligates me, in the sense that I am “blessed to be a blessing.” (I could have been born in Africa where all my opportunities are used for mere survival.)
But for me to truly be a blessing, I have to get over myself.
And I recognize that’s not so easy.
By the end of all the meetings this past weekend, our leadership core realized that we need to surround ourselves with a “Culture of Now” and people who are willing to act NOW. We decided that people who needed months to think about whether or not they want to make a difference are better suited for other organizations.
We need OPPORTUNISTIC LEADERS (that have gotten over themselves) who want to foster a CULTURE OF NOW.
This is why now at least once a month we will be converting our usual Re:LIFE Village into a “LifeNOW Gathering.” Outside of the financial giving (I have to raise funds as part of my seat on the board) this is something I can do NOW so that others will have the same opportunities to truly live a life of purpose and passion NOW. At LifeNOW Gatherings we will be teaching people how to truly experience the fullness of Life and engage in immediate action taking advantage of the opportunities to achieve success in a way that leads to local and global transformation.
The Re:LIFE Group will also be working with Impact Nations to eliminate all their administrative costs so that 100% of all donation go to direct impact.
(Have you noticed what the word “NOW” is spelled backwards?)
Sorry for the ranting and raving. I hope I don’t come across like someone with a bullhorn, but instead someone who has been sparked with a new passion to really make a difference. I went into the weekend pretty burn out, tired and wanting a break. But I realized that the needs of humanity never go on vacation so I really don’t have a right to complain.
So check out this video. You will be seeing how we will begin integrating Re:LIFE into a Culture of NOW that Impacts Nations!
(BTW, other organizations sell the SAME water filter for $75 and $100. For $40 we actually make TWO filters – one for the purchasing organization that goes to a family and one to give away as an act of compassion – all while employing locals and providing business opportunities.)
November 24th, 2009 at 11:59 pm
Great Post Ed. I feel inspired. In fact everything about life for me right now is very inspiring and the beautiful thing about coming to this place after years of being self-centered and self-serving (I am only now, “getting over myself”), is that I feel the need to commit the rest of my life to giving of time and treasure in the community and eventually in the world. I am amazed everyday as to how much more fulfilling life is and how much better and less alone I feel when I give. For me currently, giving comes in several forms: sometimes as simple as a smile, a hello or a conversation with someone who looks like they are feeling “alone”; sometimes in the time that give to share my passion for the human animal bond with others; and other times as simple as giving my time to someone I don’t know, by letting them go ahead of me at the grocery store or in the line up at Starbucks. There is honestly, no better feeling, in my opinion than giving, without any expectation of reciprocation. It is absolutely liberating. I am very excited about the LifeNOW gatherings and also about the creation and perpetuation of Culture of NOW both within the Re:Life community and within my new business venture. Thanks again for an inspiring post. Cat