When you are most needed

People show up at different times in our lives. We also show up for those we care about and those around us. There are various reasons and circumstances that necessitate one person showing up for another. You may grace the occasion of your friend’s birthday by attending their party. You may send a gift to someone you know. You may visit a family member at the hospital. You may babysit your friend’s kids while they are away on an important appointment. You may donate items to your local foodbank, give to a charity, send aid to those abroad or even volunteer your time to serve your community. Acts of kindness are beautiful when delivered with genuine motive. There is a sense of fulfillment we enjoy when we contribute to the betterment of others.

Meanwhile, I have observed a situation where showing up for others touches their heart deeply. There is a common saying that “a friend in need is a friend indeed.” If I have 10 oranges, giving me one more orange may not necessarily touch my heart deeply even though I would appreciate the gift. Giving food to someone who is not hungry and who has plenty to eat and to spare may not touch their heart. The mistake most of us make is that we focus our giving on those who already have what we are giving. Some even give to those who have so that they may receive something in return. It is okay to give to anyone we want, but it is more heartfelt when we give to those who are despairingly in need. There are lots of people who desperately need what we can give. They have been waiting for us to show up.
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Several years ago, I concluded that you are most useful if you are available when you are most needed. We need to show up when people need us the most; when we can meet people at the very point of their needs and touch the deepest parts of their heart. We do not need to have something grandiose to touch lives. We can do a lot with whatsoever we have by channeling our resources and effort correctly. You and I need to make ourselves and our resources available when we are most needed.

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Actions for the week

1. Think about your giving. How can you give in such a way that it touches people’s heart?
2. There are many things we can give – time, money, encouragement, etc. Give something to someone this week, where they will never be able to reply you.
3. Share this message with those in your network. 

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​A quote to remember
“Sometimes those who give the most are the ones with the least to spare”. – Mike Mclntyre

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Until another time,
Dele Ola, Award-Winning Author of Be A Change Agent
​Click HERE to learn about and get copies of Dele’s Books