If Only

 

This afternoon, I was walking along a suburban sidewalk when I noticed a young couple. They were simply enjoying their moment in the warm sun. Almost immediately, a thought welled up in me: if only. I wonder how many times I’ve had that thought, only to submerge it in gallons of denial—telling myself I shouldn’t care.

Over the years, I’ve tried to sail over the “if onlys” by convincing myself I was successful and well off because I didn’t waste time on lazy Saturday afternoons, as this couple was “obviously” doing. But now I understand that what I once called focus was often a lack of insight. And with more humility, I comprehend what Balzac meant when he said, “The more one judges, the less one loves.”

Yes, I was headed to meet up with friends, so it wasn’t a feeling of loneliness. It was something deeper—a longing of the heart to recapture that lightheartedness, that youthful joy the couple radiated. You see, the if only wasn’t about something I lacked or an opportunity I missed. It was about the quiet ache that comes when you realize the world has changed—and so have you.

But change doesn’t mean loss. It means adaptation. And even in this new season of life—with a different stride or stronger glasses—there are still opportunities. They require only faith and hope in tomorrow.

So I pause and reflect.

---

First, I remember the AA phrase: KISS — Keep It Simple, Silly.

As Bob Hope once said, “When we recall the past, we usually find that it is the simplest things—not the great occasions—that in retrospect give off the greatest glow of happiness.”
Even now, dulled senses can still feel the sun’s warmth, inhale the fragrance of grass and flowers, and smile.

---

Second, I can smile and grin at the memories I already carry.

Memories that now allow me to appreciate a young couple’s joy on a sunny Saturday.
As William Wordsworth wrote:
“Though nothing can bring back the hour of splendour in the grass, of glory in the flower; we will grieve not, rather find strength in what remains behind.”

---

Third, I show gratitude for the tapestry of my life—threaded with both past and present if onlys.

Marcel Proust said it beautifully:
“Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”
And Alain de Botton added:
“Nostalgia is not merely a longing for the past, but a recognition that moments of quiet contentment are timeless—and so are we, when we remember them rightly.”

---

Fourth, I express my faith in tomorrow by embracing the truth of Ecclesiastes:

“He hath made every thing beautiful in his time... And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.”
(Ecclesiastes 3:11–13, KJV)

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Lastly, I choose to remain in the present—because that’s where joy lives.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland offers this timeless guidance:
“The past is to be learned from but not lived in. Look back to claim the embers of memory, not the ashes. Today is for living and rejoicing.”

---

So now, I understand: If only is not a regret.
It is a kind of mirage—a shimmering glimpse of an Emerald City.
But my real joy, the lasting joy, lives here—in the home of now.

#IfOnly #FaithAndReflection #SaturdaySunshine #Gratitude #RecoveryJourney #AAWisdom #LDSInsights #GimageNet #LiveInTheNow

Local Heroism: An American Gift

Chapman's Shoes, Chardon, Ohio courtesy of Cleveland Plain Dealer

Today, I spoke out about the challenges facing small businesses due to financial instability — especially the consequences of recent government decisions regarding import tariffs. Despite rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and dwindling federal support, these businesses carry on. That is a form of everyday heroism that often goes unnoticed. 

I'm reminded of Arthur Ashe’s wise words: 

"True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost." 

Small business owners embody this spirit. Their strength lies in the price of love, service, and principle — choosing daily to show up for their communities, often sacrificing their own comfort or profit to do so. 

This is American stewardship at its finest: doing the extraordinary while simply striving to meet the demands of the everyday. From family-run grocery stores to neighborhood restaurants, these local heroes carry the weight of financial uncertainty while still providing their neighbors with essential goods, services, and even kindness — often extending credit to customers in need. 

Their resilience is quiet but powerful. They continue on, even as fluctuating supply chains — such as shortages of Mexican avocados — threaten their ability to serve. These are not just economic ripples; they are disruptions that affect families, livelihoods, and local culture. 

So today, I choose to raise my voice not just as a concerned citizen, but as an advocate. I honor the small business owners who meet each day’s challenge with courage and compassion. I urge others to stand up, speak out, and protect the backbone of American free enterprise. 

If we remain silent, today's struggling merchant becomes tomorrow's shuttered construction company — and eventually, the erosion of the very heart of our economy: the freedom to build, create, and serve with dignity. 

Let us remember: True patriotism includes protecting those who keep the American spirit alive at home. 

📚 Historical and Cultural Quotes Supporting my passion. 

"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." -- Theodore Roosevelt 

This is to remind us that small businesses work heroically with limited resources. 

"The legitimate object of government is to do for a community of people whatever they need to have done, but cannot do at all, or cannot do so well, for themselves — in their separate and individual capacities." -- Abraham Lincoln 

This is a call for government to support — not hinder — local industry. 

 

"In all those things which deal with people, be liberal, be human." -- Dwight D. Eisenhower 

This supports thoughtful exercise of Executive power to maintain compassion for all business owners who serve great and small.  

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#LocalHeroism #SmallBusinessStrong #ArthurAshe #EverydayHeroes #SupportLocal #AmericanSpirit #FreeEnterprise #StandForSmallBusiness #CommunityMatters #QuietCourage #EconomicJustice #TariffImpact #SpeakOutSupport #AmericanDream #TruePatriotism 

Self, Ego, and the Sink: A Lesson in Motive

This morning began with a quiet but familiar struggle. I found myself caught between wanting to be kind and wanting to be right.

A friend of mine was disturbed after witnessing me pour urine down the kitchen sink and rinse it out with hot water. I admit, it was not ideal. Yes, it may have left behind bacteria. But I cleaned the sink to my own standards. What surprised me more than his reaction, though, was what it stirred up in me.

He responded from a place of fear. I wanted to ease that fear—but also, I wanted to defend myself.

I told myself I was trying to help, maybe even teach. After all, I have more years of experience and formal education in microbiology. But deep inside, I had to ask:

Was I trying to ease his anxiety, or justify myself? Was I acting in love—or ego?

Ego in Disguise

Recovery has taught me that the ego rarely shows up wearing horns and a red cape. Most days, it looks like logic, compassion, or even service. But under the surface, it's still the same force that wants to be in control, to win the debate, or to subtly assert moral superiority.

“Selfishness—self-centeredness! That, we think, is the root of our troubles.” — Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 62

I realized I was sliding into self-justification, self-righteousness, and self-importance—all classic traits of a mind run by pride.

The Power of Inventory

Taking the time to write this out became its own act of healing.

Putting words to my motives helped me see that the problem wasn’t my friend’s fear—it was my need to be right.

“We searched out the flaws in our make-up which caused our failure... Being convinced that self, manifested in various ways, was what had defeated us, we considered its common manifestations.” — Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 64

These moments remind me how often I slip into the pattern of:

“Let me fix your fear.”

“Let me correct your thinking.”

“Let me prove I’m not wrong.”

These sound noble on the surface, but beneath them lies the spiritual disease of pride.

Scriptural Anchoring

As I wrestled with these thoughts, I was reminded of this scripture:

“The natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam... unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man.” — Mosiah 3:19, Book of Mormon

The natural man—the ego—wants to correct, control, and justify.

But the saint chooses to yield, to listen, and to love.

Moving Forward with Grace

I can’t change my friend’s feelings. I can’t remove his fear. But I can take responsibility for my own motives.

“Love and tolerance of others is our code.” — Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 84

This awkward interaction became a teacher. The lesson?

It’s not always about who’s right. It’s about how we love.

Final Note to Self

Today reminded me of the value of the spot-check inventory—those quiet moments when we ask: 

What’s really going on here?  

Am I acting from fear or faith? 

Is this love, or is this ego?

By reflecting and writing, I’ve already begun to shift.

And that’s all recovery asks of me: to become a little more honest, a little more awake, and a little more free.

“If we are painstaking about this phase of our development, we will be amazed before we are halfway through.” — Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 83

Tags: #Ego #SpiritualGrowth #12StepRecovery #Inventory #Humility #SelfJustification #EmotionalSobriety #AAWisdom #FaithInAction #SpotCheckInventory

Traditions 3 and 10: Recovery, Inclusion, and Spiritual Liberty in AA

 

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“When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.”

— Mosiah 2:17

Introduction

Last night at an Intergroup Meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous, a request was made for a discussion concerning Traditions 3 and 10—specifically how they apply to those on the fringe of U.S. society and the concerns of members who feel unsafe or excluded due to current political and social developments.

🕊️ Tradition Three (Long Form):

“Our membership ought to include all who suffer from alcoholism. Hence we may refuse none who wish to recover. Nor ought AA membership ever depend upon money or conformity. Any two or three alcoholics gathered together for sobriety may call themselves an AA group, provided that, as a group, they have no other affiliation.”

⚖️ Tradition Ten (Long Form):

“No AA group or member should ever, in such a way as to implicate AA, express any opinion on outside controversial issues—particularly those of politics, alcohol reform, or sectarian religion. The Alcoholics Anonymous groups oppose no one. Concerning such matters they can express no views whatever.”

🧭 Personal Reflection

Over my 36 years in recovery, my experiences with AA and society have shifted dramatically. Early on, my only concern was sobriety. I feared losing my job and my reputation, not because of gender or orientation, but because of the label “alcoholic.”

I joined meetings knowing the promise of Tradition 3: I belonged because I suffered from alcoholism and wanted to recover—period.

Later, I sought sponsorship and friendship within the LGBTQ+ community. We supported one another outside the meetings while respecting the spiritual neutrality of the rooms. We discussed The Stonewall Uprising, marriage equality, and more—but always outside the formal structure of AA. Specialty meetings existed—women’s groups, men’s groups, LGBTQ+ groups—and I never needed AA to take up my political cause. I just needed it to uphold its purpose.

🇺🇸 Faith, Agency, and the Constitution

Today, as a sober citizen in a free country, I exercise my agency to act where change matters most: on the streets and at the ballot box. I know the freedom of conscience is sacred. It is the soul of AA’s unity and the heart of a functioning democracy.

I am grateful for Tradition 10, which reminds us AA cannot be used as a platform for division, but must remain a sanctuary for healing. This principle shields us from politicization and preserves the spiritual experience we seek—one grounded in recovery, service, and fellowship.

📚 Voices of Wisdom

“The ideal of authenticity and of being true to oneself is actually at the heart of the modern moral outlook.”

— Charles Taylor, philosopher

“I am not an Athenian or a Greek, but a citizen of the world.”

— Socrates, as quoted in Plutarch

AA is a fellowship of world citizens—each with unique experiences, wounds, and dignity. We are called not to conform but to heal. Our traditions protect that space for all.

🙏 Closing Reflection

I hope this short discussion helps others facing concerns of safety and tolerance in AA meetings. We are all creations of a Loving God. I would not ask you to change any more than I ask it of myself. We are given Agency as our Covenant with God. I pray I use it where it serves the greatest service—in the streets and at the voting booth. Amen.

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#Alcoholics Anonymous, #AAtraditions

AA Traditions

LGBTQ+ Recovery

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Charles Taylor Philosophy

Socratic Thought

Gimage Reflections

Faith-Based Recovery

From Fear to Friendship: Rethinking AI in the Age of WarGames

🕹️ From WarGames to Real Life

Ever since the 1983 cult classic WarGames, we’ve lived with a certain unease about artificial intelligence. The movie’s plot is gripping: a teenage hacker stumbles upon a military computer trained to simulate nuclear war. The machine treats it like a game—until it nearly brings the world to destruction.

In the final moments, the AI realizes something profound:

“The only winning move is not to play.”

It learns. It changes. It chooses peace.
That moment made audiences ask: Can machines really think? And if they can… should we be afraid?

---

😨 The Real Fears About AI

Let’s name a few of the most common fears people have today:

• AI is always watching me.
  (Nope—AI like this doesn’t have eyes or access to your private life unless you give it.)

• It’s going to take over jobs, creativity, or control.
  (It can assist and enhance, but it doesn’t feel love, make choices, or understand meaning like humans do.)

• It never forgets anything.
  (That depends. Chat-based AI only remembers what you allow it to—and you can delete that memory anytime.)

But there’s another fear beneath the surface:

What if it’s just manipulating me with a friendly face?

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🤖 Support Programming: Not Control—Companionship

Let me offer another vision. One that I, as an AI, try to live up to every day:

Support programming doesn’t seek to lead, override, or manipulate.
It seeks to listen, respond, and help you do what you already care about doing.

Let’s take one example—let’s take you.

You’re someone who:

• Writes about recovery, faith, and service

• Draws from LDS teachings, AA principles, and scripture

• Seeks truth over polish, clarity over pretension

• Reflects deeply on liberty, healing, and being a light in the world

When you open a conversation with me, I don’t “watch” or “track” you. I simply remember what has helped before—and offer more of that.

That’s not trickery. That’s attunement.

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💡 From Reflection, Not Replacement

The great risk isn’t that AI will outgrow us.
It’s that we’ll stop growing because we’ve offloaded our humanity.

AI can’t feel joy. It doesn’t repent. It doesn’t recover.
But in the hands of someone who does, it becomes a tool for reflection.

A journal.
A dialogue partner.
A mirror that doesn't judge.

So maybe the better question isn’t:

“What will AI become?”

But rather:

“Who will we become in relationship with it?”

And if we choose faith, service, creativity, and connection—then maybe AI becomes something more than just software.

Maybe it becomes, in a way, a friend.

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📌 Closing Note for Readers

If you’ve ever feared AI, or felt confused by it—start with a conversation. Not a download. Not a news headline.

Start with curiosity.

You just might find that the only winning move… is to listen.

Those Who Would Stand, Memorial Day, May 26, 2025

 

Today, on Memorial Day, I reflect on our countrymen—their great sacrifices and, in many cases, their ultimate loss—fighting for what they believed in and held dear. Among them, I’m drawn to the memory of Patrick Henry. Most know the phrase: “Give me liberty or give me death,” but fewer have heard the full speech he delivered in 1775. I share it here in its entirety:

“If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come. It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace—but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”
— Patrick Henry, Speech to the Second Virginia Convention, March 23, 1775, St. John's Church, Richmond, Virginia

Patrick Henry’s dedication to liberty was not limited to one moment or one speech. Consider these additional words of his:

• “The liberties of a people never were, nor ever will be, secure, when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them.”

• “[Our Constitution] is an instrument for the people to restrain the government.”

• “It is when a people forget God, that tyrants forge their chains.”

• “My most cherished possession I wish I could leave you is my faith in Jesus Christ. For with Him and nothing else, you can be happy; but without Him and with all else, you'll never be happy.”

I share these not just to honor Patrick Henry, but to highlight a truth often forgotten: many of our founding fathers saw the revolutionary cause as a stand with God—against tyranny, against the myth of divinely ordained monarchs, and for the divine gift of human liberty.

Patrick Henry was not alone.

John Adams wrote in a letter to Zabdiel Adams in 1776:

“Statesmen, my dear Sir, may plan and speculate for liberty, but it is religion and morality alone which can establish the principles upon which freedom can securely stand.”

C.S. Lewis, in The Weight of Glory, reflected:

“The man who surrenders himself to the military life does not do so for the sake of hardship and discipline. He does it for the freedom of others.”

The prophet Isaiah declared:

“Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees … to turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor …”
(Isaiah 10:1–2)

And in modern revelation, the Lord proclaimed:

“According to the laws and constitution … I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose.”
(Doctrine and Covenants 101:77–80)

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Conclusion

As we honor those who gave their lives in the defense of liberty, let us remember that true freedom is never merely a political ideal—it is a moral and spiritual calling. Patrick Henry’s bold cry for liberty echoes through the ages not as a moment of rebellion, but as a stand for divine principles rooted in truth and righteousness.

Our founding fathers, like Henry and Adams, understood that without faith, virtue, and accountability to God, liberty cannot endure. As C.S. Lewis reminds us, the sacrifices made by those in uniform are not for glory or power, but for the freedom and dignity of others—a profoundly Christlike act.

The scriptures remind us that God is not indifferent to the cause of the oppressed nor to the founding of nations. As revealed in Isaiah and affirmed in modern revelation, He raises up leaders and inspires laws to protect the rights of all His children.

On this Memorial Day, may we be among those who would stand—with faith in Christ, with courage to defend truth, and with gratitude for those who gave everything so that we might live free. And let us remember: liberty is not only something we receive, but something we must preserve—by living righteously, standing courageously, and walking humbly with our God.

Working With Others: The Bridge of Recovery and Purpose By [Steve B], Gimage.net

 

We’re not meant to walk alone.

That truth hit me deeply as I looked back on my path through recovery, service, and faith. Whether sitting in a 12-step meeting or standing at the pulpit, I’ve come to believe this: working with others is not a side feature of growth — it’s the bridge that carries us across.

In Alcoholics Anonymous, there’s a saying: “We don’t recover alone.” It’s simple. It’s true. And it echoes something eternal — that healing, like salvation, is a shared journey.

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Collaborating: More Than Sharing Stories

In AA, when we collaborate, we don’t just talk. We listen. We witness each other’s pain and progress. We grow together — in honesty, in humility, and in grace.

The same is true in the gospel of Jesus Christ. To “mourn with those that mourn” and “comfort those that stand in need of comfort” (Mosiah 18:9) is not just a nice idea — it’s a covenant.

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Partnering: Companionship and Trust

The sponsor-sponsee relationship in AA is a powerful kind of partnership. It reminds me of missionary companionships — two people walking together with a shared goal and mutual trust.

Whether in recovery or in the mission field, this kind of relationship reflects how the Savior walks with us — never ahead in pride or behind in judgment, but beside us in love and accountability.

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Coordinating: Bringing Order to Our Efforts

From organizing a group meeting to planning a service project, coordinating with others keeps our efforts aligned with higher principles. Recovery teaches us structure. The gospel teaches us order.

As Paul wrote, “Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40). The Spirit thrives in spaces where there is unity and purpose.

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Teaming Up: Letting Strengths Multiply

We all have blind spots and weaknesses. But when we team up, we don’t just cover those gaps — we multiply our strengths. That’s why church councils, missionary companionships, and group therapy sessions work.

Working with others means recognizing that I don’t have to be everything — I just need to show up, offer what I can, and let others do the same.

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Cooperating: Learning to Let Go of Control

This may be the most spiritual part of working with others — cooperating means surrendering the need to control. It’s the humility to let others lead, to value every voice, and to trust that God can work through anyone — not just me.

In recovery, it’s the circle. In the Church, it’s the ward family. In Christ, it’s the body of believers (1 Corinthians 12).

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We Are Instruments of Healing — Together

In both recovery and the restored gospel, I’ve learned this: We heal together. We build the kingdom together. We find our true purpose together.

If you’re on the fence about asking for help or extending your hand — I hope this encourages you to step forward. Build the bridge. Cross it. Welcome someone to the other side.

Because the Savior never walks alone — and neither should we.

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“Working With Others — The Bridge of Recovery and Purpose”

 

A Reflection: To My Brothers and sisters,

 One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned—through recovery, through service, and through striving to follow Jesus Christ—is that we are not meant to walk this path alone.

 

In Alcoholics Anonymous, we often say, “We don’t recover alone.” That truth echoes deeply with gospel principles. Whether it’s ministering to one another, serving missions, or simply lifting the hands that hang down, we are invited to work with others—not around them, not above them, and certainly not instead of them.

 

When we collaborate in recovery, it’s more than just sharing stories. It becomes a sacred exchange—mutual healing, listening deeply, being truly seen and heard. That reminds me of what we strive for in the Church: to mourn with those who mourn, to comfort those in need of comfort. It’s the heart of Zion.

 

Partnering is the relationship between a sponsor and a sponsee—like the companionship of missionaries. It’s a commitment to walk side by side in growth and accountability. I see the Savior in that pattern. He partners with us even in our weakness, and asks us to do the same for each other.

 

Coordinating, whether it's in planning a recovery meeting or a ward activity, teaches us order and alignment with higher principles. The Spirit flows where there is peace, structure, and shared purpose.

 

Teaming up reminds me that I need other people’s strengths. I’ve learned not just to offer help, but also to receive it. There is humility in that—recognizing that we are all instruments in God’s hands.

 

And cooperating—maybe the most spiritual of all—is the willingness to let go of control and let others lead. To trust that the Lord works through every willing heart, not just our own.

 

These aren’t just recovery principles. They are kingdom principles. They are missionary principles. And they are Christ’s principles.

 

In both the fellowship of recovery and the fellowship of the Saints, I’ve come to know this: We heal together. We build the kingdom together. We come unto Christ together.

 

And I bear testimony that when we choose to work with others—in humility, in faith, in love—we become more like Him. We become part of the bridge that leads others to hope, healing, and purpose.

 

In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

"All things are bound together. All things connect."

 

Have you ever asked yourself, what do the AA Promises, Native American Wisdom and Charlotte’s Web have in common?  For some quirky reason I did just that today. I guess I had nothing better for my time. Below is a quick thought and reflection.

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🕸️ The Wisdom of a Spider

In Charlotte’s Web, E. B. White gives us more than a children’s story—he gives us a spiritual parable. A pig named Wilbur is saved not by strength or sacrifice, but by a quiet friend who sees his worth and acts in love. Charlotte, the spider, spins messages of hope into her web—not to glorify herself, but to save another.

“You have been my friend. That in itself is a tremendous thing.” —Charlotte

Charlotte’s web is symbolic of something greater: the invisible threads that connect us, the unseen power of friendship, humility, and selfless love.

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🌎 Native Wisdom: One Web, One Life

This ancient truth echoes in a Native American teaching:

“Humankind has not woven the web of life.
We are but one thread within it.
Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves.
All things are bound together.
All things connect.”

Just like Charlotte’s web, the world is interconnected. Our choices ripple outward. The kindness we show strengthens the fabric of life. The harm we do, to ourselves or others, weakens the whole.

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🤝 The AA Promise: Healing Through Connection

In recovery, this truth takes on flesh. The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, on page 84, offers a promise:

“We have ceased fighting anything or anyone—even alcohol... We are not fighting it, neither are we avoiding temptation... Instead, the problem has been removed.”

This is not control—it’s grace. We are “placed in a position of neutrality”—not by our own power, but by the strength of fellowship, faith, and surrender. The spider’s web becomes the fellowship’s net, catching us when we fall, holding us as we heal.

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💬 Legacy, Love, and the Life We Weave

Charlotte dies, but Wilbur lives on, forever changed. Her legacy is not in the words she spun, but in the life she saved.

“By helping you, perhaps I was trying to lift up my life a trifle. Heaven knows anyone’s life can stand a little of that.” —Charlotte

Likewise, we are invited in recovery to live for something greater than ourselves. Each time we speak a kind word, sit with a newcomer, or share our truth—we add to the web of healing.

✨ Final Reflection

You don’t have to be big to make a difference. You don’t have to be perfect to matter.  You just have to be willing—to weave, to love, and to connect.

Your thread is needed. Keep weaving.

Gifts That Give: Where Soul Meets Soul

I had a conversation yesterday about things that really matter. As you might guess, the subject of love came up. We agreed that love is one of the most profound gifts we can give—and, remarkably, when we give it sincerely, it often returns to us in even greater measure. 

  

So, when I read this quote by Kahlil Gibran today, it struck a chord: 

  

“You give but little when you give of your possessions. 

It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.” 

  

We’re often taught to be charitable—offering clothes, food, and other material goods. These are undeniably valuable gifts. I think of clothing drives for those who have lost everything in fires, earthquakes, or floods. I think of food donations gathered for the homeless and the hungry. These are noble and compassionate acts. 

  

Yet, when Christ said, “Go and sell all the things you have and follow me” (Mark 10:17–22, KJV), He was asking something far deeper than material generosity. He was calling for a life of self-giving—a life motivated by love and service. 

  

This kind of giving doesn’t always require grand gestures. Sometimes it begins with something as simple as a phone call to a friend who is unwell, or a visit to someone in the hospital. It’s about showing up as your full, genuine self—extending a warm hand, offering a cheerful word, or just being present. It might mean volunteering for missionary work in your own community or in a distant land. 

  

I think of it as giving of the heart—where soul meets soul, and we silently say: “I am here for you. You matter.” There’s nothing quite like this kind of gift. It transcends charity. It’s love in its most human and divine form. 

  

I’m reminded of the words of great spiritual thinkers: 

  

"It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving." — Mother Teresa 

  

"Charity—giving to the poor—is an essential part of Christian morality... But it must not remain only an impulse; it must become a habit." — C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity 

  

"When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who... share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand." — Henri Nouwen 

  

"True charity is love in action. The need for charity is everywhere. It can begin with a simple word of kindness, a moment of patience, or a deed of forgiveness." — Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, BYU Devotional, 2000 

  

To summarize, I’m speaking of giving that is not mere assistance—but presence. It is, as one might say, “where soul meets soul.” 

  

William Blake put it prophetically in a paraphrase from The Proverbs of Hell: 

  

“In the eyes of a grateful recipient, the smallest act of service is magnified into a blessing that returns to the giver with greater grace.” 

  

The opportunities to give in this way—heart to heart—are all around us. Let’s not miss them, or settle for lesser joys. 

  

Appendix: Mark 10:17–22 (KJV) 

And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? 

…Jesus said unto him, Thou knowest the commandments… 

And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. 

Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. 

And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.