Give 'Til It Hurts

Last summer I was a part of something at my church called "Servolution".  It focused on serving others, going as far as using a Sunday to serve others rather than hold a service. I was so inspired that I wanted to do something big in 2013.  I wanted to give 'til it hurts.  And in the same way Servolution inspired me, I hope my plans might inspire others, so I'm putting myself out there.

This year I plan to...

• Donate blood 6 times (You can donate every 56 days)
• Give away a $5 food related gift card to a hungry person every week (friend or stranger)
• Give away a $5 gift card (food or other) to a random person every week (friend or stranger)
• Always carry $1 bills on my person to give to anyone that I see in need
• Volunteer at least 100 hours this year
• Help at least 1 person move this year
• Help people with a major project they have at least 5 times this year
• Join the Bone Marrow Donor Registry

I have always had ways that I was comfortable giving, but if I wanted my giving to "hurt", I knew it would require giving of my time, money, and my body.  There are people around me that are in need of a resource I have.  Whether it be blood, time, a strong back, or a meal, I can make a difference in a lot of lives this year by giving in a measured and strategic way.

Here's where you come in. Will you considering doing one of these with me? I know there is a resource that you have been keeping all to yourself, but could benefit those around you.  If you have been reluctant to give your time away, please consider volunteering in your local church or other non-profit organization.  If money has a hold on you and might hurt a little to give away, please considering loosing money's grip and begin systematically giving.  If you are healthy but rarely give blood, will you consider donating even three times this year?


If you have plans (or are making some now that you’re thinking about it) to give of yourself this year, please have the guts to share it with others in the comments section. Like me, I know you have no interest in simply bragging about what you’ll do this year, but imagine what we could accomplish together if, by putting ourselves out there, we actually start a chain reaction of giving 'til it hurts!  I will be posting my experiences as the year progresses and would love to hear how you’re doing it too.  Let's make a difference together with the awareness that giving our blood, sweat, and treasure just might hurt a little.