No one in life can really force you to make good decisions, to give, to give thanks. Those are choices you must make for yourself. And really, they're only more meaningful when you do so on your own. You may be coerced into cleaning up after yourself, doing a friend a favor, exercising, or making a contribution to something you don't necessarily care about. But, it's about digging deeper and helping because you, well,
want to help. Because, hopefully, in some fashion, you care. You can make the CHOICE to care. No one is going to force you to make good decisions in life. Well, they may, but how good are they if the intention is empty? You choose how you want to live and what you want to give. People may lead you, inspire you, show you the way. But, ultimately, it is up to you to live with gratitude and compassion. Making the choice to give, and give thanks.
This is Keith. An incredibly infectious smile, eh?
Keith is a Peer Educator for KENWA (Kenya Network of Women with AIDS). KENWA helps treat and empower both men and women who are HIV+, encouraging them that life goes on after the discovery of illness; that there is reason to move forward with strength, courage, hope, and power. Keith spends his time with KENWA talking to people in the slums, educating them about HIV; not the
easiest task, I can promise you that. But, Keith persists. He gives comfort, reassurance, heads through the slum three times a week talking to people, holding a session every month to give information on treatment and
prevention. "People come back," he explained to me with a smile. They see hope in him, and they listen. And people begin to better accept and understand the reality of HIV/AIDS, and they seek counseling because of his efforts. He teaches teens and families not to feel embarrassed, but rather
empowered by their strengths and skills. And he encourages marital and family values, the importance of healthy respect and commitment. Door to door he goes, because he knows some men are too scared to come out to KENWA.
But he does not judge them. Rather, he helps people get jobs, get off drugs, encouraging them to utilize their skills and talents toward developing a business, making a revenue for their family, and staying busy with healthy hobbies.
Three times a week, he works in the Kiambiu slum. The reality is, it can be very dangerous, dirty, and it is estimated that
one in every household of the Kiambiu slum is HIV+, but Keith sees people - not the disease. He instills strength - and he does it with a smile.
"Sometimes, we just spend time together," he explained to me. Building trust and hope through friendship. So. Why does Keith do all this? He doesn't have to. No one forces him. No one tells him to take on the
daunting task of opening people's minds to a better, healthier, and happier way of living. But, he
does it. He makes the choice to. Because he sees a community, a world worth helping, and so, he's been at it with KENWA since 2008. It's difficult to see death, illness, and destruction, and well, just want to give up! I can say truthfully, I have now seen and understood in some fashion that true
frustration they experience -- It can crush your soul and make you careless. But Keith sees hope, potential, skill, courage, and a better tomorrow -- he makes that happen with a beautiful commitment to his people.
Make the choice to give. It's not always easy, but that's the point. Challenge yourself. You will never regret it. What you give will come back ten fold. And no, it's not always easy to
sacrifice. But, it's worth it. And, I don't mean just get out there and start throwing money at every organization you see - I'm saying live with an open attitude to making a better life for others in
your every day life! And challenge yourself to do so in various ways.
How do you want to live your life and what do you want to give? How can you give it? How do you want to empower others? What do you have to offer and what makes you happy about that? What are you grateful for?
A month ago, I wrote a post sharing that I would match every dollar up to $1,000 donated to Global Empathy Now with a personal donation toward relief for Japan. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't completely choked up by the
immediate outpour of people pitching in - with
enthusiasm!
This is what I'm talking about -- you didn't have to pitch in - it's easy to assume someone else will or to assume you can't do much -- but, you
chose to give and so many of you even advanced the mission to others with such great affection for the goal and those in need.
Within just two days, you donated over $1,000. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. We did this together and you helped me take on a fantastic challenge. You Are Outstanding. I don't even have the words.
THANK YOU for doing your part. Here is mine, as promised:
God bless. Thank you for being here. Love yourself, what you are, and what you have to give. Let's strive to give with intelligence and meaning.
Thank you.
