#GivingTuesday. 316 million people live in America. 49 million live in food insecure households. 27 million people experience depression. #GivingTuesday kicks off the Christmas season today; give your time, talent, and/or treasure.

Time. It’s funny… It wasn’t until a time in my life that I didn’t have much that I realized I had plenty. I’ve always been a giver but I felt I didn’t have much to give. I turned to the church to offer my time. I packed lunches for the hungry and homeless. It was in those moments, I was awakened that the Christmas season is about giving to those that truly need. Time is of the essence and how we spend it is its value.

Talent. We all have unique special talents that we can give in the Christmas season. Some of us, can sing, dance, act, or play a musical instrument to bring joy. Others have the power of writing, drawing, or making crafts to touch people deeply. For me, my talent is bringing smiles to people’s days with a simple hello paired with a smile of my own.

Treasure. We all know someone who is struggling or could use a little help. Giving a holiday meal to a family for the holidays is one of the greatest gifts you can give. You being the giver may never know how much it means to someone but know the $40 – $50 you may spend on their family will be worth thousands in their eyes. How do I know this? My family was given this holiday meal once. It is something I will never forget.

#GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a response to Black Friday/Cyber Monday commercialization & consumerism following Thanksgiving. An interesting concept, we are so thankful for what we have and then the next few days we want more. We are suspected to hegemonic ideologies inflicted on us from the media. We are told the Christmas season is about buying things to make our loved ones happy. Ultimately, it’s about giving. He gave his only son to show us why we have life. We can give our time, talent, and/or treasure to remind others of His love.