I love giving. I love making a difference for others. I love doing things as a surprise for those that I love as well as surprising complete strangers with Reese’s Cups and Little Debbie Cakes. I can honestly say that giving and doing for others is a passion.
Spreading joy and encouraging others is a passion as well. I love reminding people that they ARE making a difference with a simple $10 donation, that they are making a change within their community when they volunteer their time and that they will see a difference by doing what they can – right where they are.
So………
Why am I not spreading the word about Spreading Joy? Why am I not setting up meetings to encourage people and show them just how easy it is to make a difference without breaking the bank? Why am I not trying to get my foot in the door of local corporations and churches?
Simple! My passion for giving is hindering my passion for Spreading JOY. I don’t have a “gift” to leave these people, I don’t have anything “physical” to leave them and I let that stop me from giving them what I can offer….and that is joy, encouragement and ideas for making a difference with little to no resources.
A friend of mine, Harry Tucker, and I were discussing passion. He told me that passion could be a curse. I kind of chuckled and thought there is no way. Being passionate about something would help to get it done. I asked him to explain how that could be and he said
Passion is a curse when many people are afraid of it. It is a curse when it is bursting to produce results but is surrounded by apathy and indifference. If not expressed outwards, it can turn inwards.
Little did I know that I would soon be living that statement…Passion is a curse.
Another friend of mine, Richard Mayhan has developed a site called Mercy Junction. One Roof – Countless Resources. He is using this site to list all of the local places in his community that act as a resource for the needy. He includes things like food pantries, shelters, community dinners as well as National Hot-lines and other resources for those that are in need of assistance. Brilliant idea! He put hours upon hours of work into it. Soon afterwards, he had an opportunity to share Mercy Junction with a group of men and did an amazing job. The reason I mention this is that as I was reading how the meeting went, it dawned on me that he went, presented his ideas and passion for helping others without so much as a business card to leave them AND it was amazing!! (I wasn’t there, but I’ve heard him speak – so I’m SURE it was fantabulous!)
I’ve told you all of that to tell you this….
I’ve decided that in this year, I am going to set up meetings to present Spreading Joy Corporation to various organizations in my area. I’m going to offer encouragement to any church, civic group and ladies groups that will allow me to do so. (If you’d like to discuss how I can encourage your group, please email me.) I will start doing what I can, with what I have – right where I am; EVEN if I do not have anything to “leave with them.” I am going to work on emailing various corporations and seeing if they will partner with me and help me make a difference and try and personally contribute more to Spreading Joy each month financially to aid in this.
I am not going to let NOT having anything to give stop me anymore.
I will remind people that “There’s no joy like Spreading Joy.”
I’m going to do what I can, where I am, with what I have and NOT feel guilty. I am spreading joy and I am making a difference.
I’m going to help others in FINDING JOY as best as I can! How can I help you? (click the finding joy link and see…)
{{HUGS}} yall
What is YOUR passion? Has it been a tool to help push you into what you love or has it been a curse? Is it bursting to see results and you just don’t know which direction to go? Tell me….what are you doing with YOUR passion?
PS – you can follow Harry Tucker on twitter as @harrytucker and Richard Mayhan on twitter as @mcProdigal
© 2011, Spreading Joy. All rights reserved.
Hi Marie,
Yep loved this. Passionn too can be a curse if it is directed unhelpfully.
I fear you may short sell yourself Marie … I am absolutely convinced that after you have left a room that there is no void … your very infectious nature/persona/charisma means you must have left something behind. You are a person who seeks to leave ‘green’ (Ps 84;6)… now please remember that this comes from someone who has never even met you.
So all power to you in 011,. do these meetings, send those emails and canvas those companies ‘cos they will never be the poorer for your presence, only your absence. You always have something to give.
Hey Marie,
I enjoyed reading this post and I hear what you’re saying!!
But giving people smiles and kindness is a priceless gift and I know you give LOTS of it! Don’t ever feel guilty — you’re such a blessing! I’m super excited for you about presenting Spreading Joy…God bless you Marie!
Hey my gorgeous Marie,
You are so absolutely amazing 🙂
I am so excited to hear that you are going to be getting out there and making things happen … with your heart and Jesus direction, you are going to kick some amazing goals for Christ in 2011.
For every step you take, for every person you awaken to Spreading Joy, blessings will flow abundantly on your path … you are an awesome Disciple of Christ, true to form, and whoever has the privilege to listen to you, will instantly know that they are in the presence of someone very Blessed, Gifted and a Beloved of Christ.
I will be praying for you each and every step of your way, and waiting in anticipation to hear wonderful stories of your journey, no doubt it will be adventurous to say the least 🙂
@mcProdigal is amazing also, and I am so pleased to hear that he also is kicking goals for Jesus, life is sooooo good, and it is through people such as yourselves, that makes this world a Heavenly place to be.
God Bless,
Gina
xxx
Marie, like Angie said above…even when you’ve left a room you don’t leave a void. You sprinkle sunshine wherever you go. Just YOU spread JOY wherever you are. With or without Reese Cups. Love your idea, Sis. A smile or a hug goes a long way.
YOU. GO. GIRL.
This is for you. Today’s Lead Like Jesus Devotional:
“When fear strikes and we find ourselves intimidated—intimidated by other’s gifts, intimidated by the situation in which we find ourselves—turn your attention to God. He is the One who places us in the circumstances where He wants to use us. We don’t need to be someone else. We don’t need to depend on our own abilities. Choose to trust in God’s sovereign timing and placement of you. Depend on His Spirit to empower you. Step by step, be who God has called you to be in each situation and allow Him to use you.
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
Prayer: God, thank You that You are always with me and that Your Spirit is more than adequate to equip me for anything I will face today. You know the people and situations that intimidate me. I choose to be confident in You. Display your power and love through me today, I pray. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
I love you dear friend.
The title sure had me interested!
I am glad you clarified what you meant!
You have this energizer bunny type passion that won’t let anything stop you. Plus God is in it for sure. My mouth dropped when you posted the multiple ways we can make a difference in people’s lives without much if any expense. It has impacted me as i am sure it has impacted many others. And it really does fit in with “love thy neighbor”.
If we let the “no’s” in our life stop us, then it probably wasn’t our calling. If we didn’t have obstacles to overcome, then it wouldn’t be faith. Faith requires opposition. The reason i am saying this, is i know that the passion God has instilled in you will give you the perseverance needed to carry out your calling. When we embark on a mission, opposition comes from everywhere, but God… opens doors! You have to have the passion and the faith, to knock and keep on knocking!
Youv’e got it! Everyone that has come in contact with you can tell that too!
God bless!
@soulsupply – Geoff – your email came through as I was heading to bed last night! I was so encouraged by your response and it brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for giving me that gift. You’ve always been so very special to me for a long time now = always encouraging me, praying for me and spreading joy. I would not be where I am without your faithful prayers. I’m blessed to be your friend – even though I’ve never had the opportunity to personally hug you!! Thanks G!! You bless me so.
@Angie thank you so much. You have helped me so much! and yes, those things do make such a difference. I always say that don’t I? but yet, I let it take a year of spreading joy from me. I won’t do that this year. If no meetings come, it will NOT be because I didn’t try. I’ll be ok regardless, but I at least need to try. 🙂 I love you sweetie – so young and already doing all that you can for others!! you are amazing!
@Gina – my precious sister half way around the world – thank you. You have helped me so much. Your emails, prayers and countless smiles – I adore you. I’m excited too. No matter what happens, I’ll be happy – but I’m excited to at least decide to try. so thank you!!! I’m thankful for you and your family. Still praying for you guys…give Rick a hug for me!!
@Linda – thank you so much. You are such a precious gift!! I appreciate you so. Ha!! Reesecups tend to be a sweeeeet way to spread joy but will work without them if need be!! thank you for the wonderful smile you brought my way today.
@Tami – thanks for sharing that with me – wow. I loved it! I do want HIM to display His love and power through me. thank you!! keep living Sticky for Him!!
@Conrad – LOL YOU made me laugh – but then again – you are great at giving me much joy. Glad the title brought you in – and yes – I had NOT thought of it, but glad I clarified it too!!! Faith requires opposition – wow. and I’m sooo thankful God will open the doors He wants me to go through – or not! and I’ll be happy either way. I’ve just got to trust and step towards the door…and not avoid them. Thank you!!
Thank you all for taking the time to encourage me. This is something i truly struggle with. Which is why I say I want to give big, but will give what I can.
I truly appreciate your friendship and prayers!!
{{HUGS}} yall
@spreadingJOY
Wonderful thoughts Marie, I posted a link to this on my Faceboook page this morning. My passion has been where God leads me, and more than once He has needed to drag me along. He hit me with a brick in the head on Deut 11:18, and told me to make jewelry with life verses. At the time, I did not know how to make jewelry, so that was a problem for me until I heard God say “I’ll show you how.” Today that small business is overflowing with more business than I can handle. As I read a book about leadership, I said to the Lord “you’re not going to make me lead a bible study, are you?” A year later I lead more than one thousand women around the world in online study. When I keep my eyes, my ears, and my heart on Him- looking Up- I see my passion. He is calling me again into an area I dislike, and I’m dragging my heels “you’re not going to make me do this, are you Lord?” I follow His voice, not knowing where He leads me until after I arrive.
Christine,
I’m always amazed at just how much you do, with your business as well as leading us ladies in the bible studies online.
I had to giggle at you dragging your heels. I completely understand…you made my heart laugh with that.
Thank you for the blessing you are to me, for the prayers, encouragement and how you bring joy my way each and every single day. you are amazing!! I adore you so!
{{HUGS}}
@spreadingJOY
Ahhh Marie,
We have never met in person but I can tell you my dear Twitter friend your giving spirit and passion have uplifted me more times than I can count.
But I understand what you’re saying…my passion to help people have a greater awareness about their nutrition sometimes eclipses my know how how to do so. It gets frustrating.
Sometimes you have to step back, take a breather, find a quiet space and rejuvenate. Let go and let God…..then you’ll know the right actions to take.
Love ya!
Pam
Pam,
So often you bless me more than you realize over on twitter…and you’ve done so here today too. Thank you for the encouraging words and for always greeting me with love and kindness!
you make such a difference in my world!
@spreadingJOY
hi marie! my passion is to give from the bottom of my heart esp helping those in most need ever ever since i was younger. as for what i did last week, i was able to give away boxes of goodies and a telescope for kids charity w/c i try to do at least a few times a year. also, i love to pray for others:) see ya on twitter and i am blessed to meet a happy, friendly and sincere christian like you:)
Therese
you sooo very often bless me on twitter!! I’m so thankful for you and your desire to make a difference.
I know others are thankful when you show up oooozing the encouragement you do!
{{HUGS}} for you!!
@spreadingJOY
Marie,
Your post reminded me of a conversation I recently had with a friend. The ministry she had run for 15 years had decided to close. She still loved seeing the change in people, but couldn’t find anyone to take on the administrative duties like fundraising.
Don’t feel bad about pursuing your passion. Don’t be afraid to release others into theirs. Don’t think that just because the networking and the fundraising is lower on your passion scale that it’s not really high on someone else’s. You just need to connect with the right person.
What you can do is 1. Pray that person and you connect; 2. Keep telling your story and stories about what you do. 3. Risk asking someone to help.
I’m still convinced when we stay within the boundary blessings God has ordained for us and connect with others who do the same, the yoke becomes easy and the burden becomes light. I’m praying for you.
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Wow, your comment made me cry.
I understand your friends situation. I spend hour and hours each evening after everyone is asleep in my family or while I’m on the road for my “day job” doing the administrative work. I’m always looking for help and several people do help with various projects and such but, there seems to never, ever be enough time.
And that doesn’t include fundraising. Non Profits can’t make it without that.
Even if SJ for whatever reason ceases to be a NPO – you will still find me spreading joy and telling others just how easy it is because I want them to experience the unbelievable JOY of giving.
Thank you for your prayers and your friendship. Your encouragement of others blesses my heart each day. I’m amazed at all you do and am thankful to have you in my world.
Big {{{HUGS}}} wrapped with prayers for your ministry and the HOPE you bring to so many.
@spreadingJOY
What an inspiring post! I am totally in the same boat, as we want to do so much more, but our resources are so limited. Thank you for such an wonderful article, and for reminding us not to feel guilty, but do what we can do with what we have, and pray for open doors!!
{{HUGS}}
Jonathan