We All Need Money

While the love of money (and its power) is the root of all evil, the fact remains that money runs the world. While I am no economist, I do understand some economic principles. From early childhood, people learn that everything they need requires money. And rich people have more power, freedom, and stuff than poor people. When asked, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" children usually answer something that sounds fun and pays a lot of money. My nine year-old grandson wants to develop and test games for Nintendo. Isn't it human nature to desire wealth?

Now enter the charitable mindset. This is fueled by a desire to help people we think of as poor. They may be sick, lonely, or hungry. They may live in areas of the world where opportunity is limited because of political and military unrest. These situations inspire missionaries and people who love their fellow man. While desiring to help is noble, desire alone is not effective. It requires some action. The first challenge is always funding.

The reality is that goods and services are needed by everyone and paid for by someone. Some people see the world as a feast and others see only famine. Diamonds, gold, and oil are precious commodities that simply had to be discovered and then put to use. Such is our world. Until someone invented a car, television, computer and cell phone, we had no idea that we couldn't live without them.

Everyday someone tugs at my heartstrings and asks for money. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the need and feel inadequate to meet it. For example, I have a heart for orphans in India and Africa. I care about Kurdish refugees in the Middle East. I want to help America's Wounded Warriors. Medical missionaries make a huge difference in the lives of people all over the world and need my support. My spirit is fed daily by teachers in the media and they all ask for a donation. I have political interests that need money. And of course our local churches and synagogues do wonderful work and require ongoing support. When confronted with challenges like these, human beings become inspired to create solutions.

I believe with all my heart that creative inspiration comes from God. Because of this belief, which is fueled by faith, hope and love, I pray for solutions. Such was the case when my husband Ed joined with other business minded-minded people in a company that promotes online shopping. While their goal is to be profitable, most successful business people know that service to others is a higher calling than simply amassing large quantities of money for themselves. As a result this company offers a Partner program which invites other businesses and non-profit organizations to leverage their connections. As a result of this partnership, customers and supporters simply shop online at their favorite stores as usual. As a result they earn cash back on their purchases and a percentage of this revenue is channeled to the Partner organization.

Now that I have a creative solution for obtaining the funds to help worthy causes, my challenge is to effectively and simply communicate this solution to those who can benefit. And I believe that is all of us.