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Generosity

Spiritual Generosity

Asking people for money is asking them to practice a spiritual gift. So why does it make us so uncomfortable?

Those of us in the faith community often hear the request, “I would appreciate your prayer right now.”

It’s an easy ask, isn’t it? The person being asked will always agree. Sometimes they invest time and heart into the process. Other times they say a simple prayer in their head, and check it off their to-do list. Either way, the request is usually met.

But raising the stakes becomes problematic. “I would really appreciate you making dinner tonight for my …

Family, Generosity, Leadership, Philanthropy,

Crescent Wrench Generosity

Most of you who read this blog know how I worked at Goble Properties with my father, side by side, for 25-years. But of course I worked with my Dad long before starting my career. For instance, from the time I was old enough to read I was marking tires at the wrecking yard. One childhood experience with him taught me what I call Crescent Wrench Generosity.

I was young, probably 8-years old. For whatever reason Dad had brought home a tank of acetelyn and oxygen (used for cutting iron). The tanks were in the side yard standing against the …

Generosity,

What is Your Currency?

This year starts with a favorite theme of mine: generosity. We tend to think of generosity as a financial gift. But it is so much more.

Here’s a question: where does your professional or relational credibility originate? What is it you do, or think, or say, or own, or believe, or who do you know, or where do you live, that gives you credibility in the eyes of your family, friends, coworkers, employees, or employer?

Let me be clear — credibility comes from our character. But professionally, even relationally, we are known for certain things. It might be skills, knowledge, …