“To those whom much is given, much is expected.”

TAG Question of the Week

President John F. Kennedy said it. On the other side of the aisle, President George W. Bush said it too. It’s orgins are in the bible, but its implications apply to any religion.

So just who are these people who have been given so much? How is that defined exactly? Am I one of those people?

Well, in today’s world of economic turmoil, electoral year banter and endless conversation about public officals’s tax returns,the 99 percent, income inequality and class warfare, it’s hard to make heads or tales of just where you fit and at the end of the day, most americans associate themselves with the middle class anyway. More

The author's boys getting ready for soccer, complete with Batman tattoo.

I beat myself up about my mothering capabilities pretty often. I don’t send pictures to grandparents. I am a complete failure at baby books — wait, maybe that’s only a 70 percent failure. I make decisions I regret. I still let them watch too much TV. I raise my voice more often than I would like.

I just came from a meeting focused on creating a website for a nonprofit that shelters homeless families. As part of the program these families get a life plan as well. It’s no wonder their success rate is so high.

It’s so easy to forget how much my husband and I give our children every day. Not gifts and possessions, but stability, love, responsibility, a home. Luxuries that are beyond the reach of many families in our community. That’s a sobering thought. More

We heard from a Talk About Giving follower today who is interested in hosting a charitable birthday party for her child and collecting new or gently used books in lieu of gifts. So we checked with our resident librarian (yes, we actually have one right here in our office leading the Literacy 2030 initiative!) as to what organizations in the Midlands collect books for children. And when considering this, it’s difficult not to pause and reflect on the issue of illiteracy right here in our backyard. More

TAG Question of the Week

“What do you think? We have a money tree in the backyard?”

It’s hard not to wonder if people really do think that money grows on trees, particularly in this day and age. Over the past several decades, our culture has really changed from that perspective. We want it now and we want it fast and we want it to be the best of the best. Oh, and when it’s outdated, we’ll just get a new one. You know, like next week. More

Our primary motivation in charitable giving is rooted in making a difference. Whether it’s supporting an institution or organization that is meaningful to us personally, or taking a stand in support of a cause we believe in, the majority of people simply believe in the value of giving. Giving is intrinsically good and right.

But taking it a step further, we support that which we are passionate. And everyone’s passion is different. Throughout life we are influenced by others and our experiences and as we grow our values evolve.

In teaching our children about giving, we have a unique opportunity to help them explore their own talents and passions. By talking with our children about what they care about, we can find ways for them to make a difference while learning about a subject near and dear to them. If they care about animals, help them research the different rescue organizations or shelters and select one to share their lemonade sale profits or allowance with. If they’re interested in science look at local science museums or the planetarium and talk about their needs and ways to get involved together. More