“No one has ever become poor by giving.” ~Anne Franke
This one thought by Anne Franke is one I’ve come to live by these last few years. Through all the trying moments our family has been through one of the things that has helped me most…is giving. I have given more of myself to help others in the past 5 years than I have in my entire life. I’ve come to realize that so much of what I do is a part of a far bigger plan by the Big man who has blessed me with so many ways to touch the lives of others. Even through the most trying moments I try to remind myself of the blessings, and that every single challenge has a purpose…sometimes one we never fully understand.
Over the last five years I’ve not only given back, but I’ve encouraged others to do the same. I’ve always wondered…what really helps open up hearts to give. Why don’t more people give? What does it take to provoke a generous soul to help others…whether it be through volunteering or through donations to help causes. Many do so when they have a personal connection to a cause…but as I’ve tried to reach out to help so many causes over the last five years…I continue to ask myself…how can I help people feel the same as I feel in my heart. Yes, perhaps that whole thought of leading by example is one of the greatest ways. I’ve found my photography to be cherished by so many families and though I can’t always donate every minute of every day to help causes…I have found my work sometimes can be one thing to help remind people just how valuable giving can be.
This summer shortly after I began the fundraising efforts for Chance’s team for the Walk-n-roll for spina bifida in central Florida I offered up an opportunity for the first two people to donate that evening to have an opportunity to spend a bit of time with me for a mini photo session. I realize so many people are struggling financially these days, but I hoped to not only open up a few more hearts to give…but to reach out and give a couple families an opportunity to spend some time capturing some priceless moments with their families. Within a matter of minutes several donations came into Chance’s team and I was so honored for Gracyn’s mother to be one of the first two to help me in the fundraising efforts.
I realize nearly every family is has their own challenges financially that may prevent them from giving, whether it be through volunteering your time or making a very small contribution towards a cause that’s important to you …I hope somehow this has reminded you all that giving is good for the soul. Surely if more people opened up their hearts and found it in them to give, even the smallest amount to help a cause in need, that the world might be a little better place. Because our little guy has surgery coming up I’m not sure when I’ll be able to offer another opportunity like this yet, but definitely stay connected to my blog and facebook if you’re interested…I am confident this isn’t the last time you’ll see me giving.
Sara, thanks for opening up your heart to help make a contribution this summer to Chance’s team…I feel incredibly blessed to not just have your support but it’s given me an opportunity to enjoy spending some moments with your sweet little girl Gracyn…she was so much fun and full energy…which I absolutely adored. Hope you and your family enjoy the moments we captured this summer.
by Amanda Kern
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