"It's not what you give but what you keep that's important."  So reads (obviously paraphrased) a message from Proverbs.  I understand it this way: one person makes $20,000 annually and another has a multi-million dollar portfolio.  Each gives $1,000 to a worthy cause.  However, the former would be giving significantly more, as the latter would have more left over.

Doing math like that is easy with dollars and cents.  But giving isn't just about money.  We have other personal capitol like time, spirit, and love.  Are those exempt from the give/keep formula?  I don't think so.  Then why do I see so many people with oodles of time (and money) to share, who think little about giving it more proportionally?

That's gotta change, people.  I said it in my new book, I've said it in my blog and I've said it in these newsletters:
each of us owes a payback to humanity. 

It doesn't matter if your checkbook is as skinny as you wish your thighs were.  Give away some of your other wealth.  Ahhh ... that's where the courage part comes in.

There are a zillion places that need us.  Logistically, we can't give to them all.  That fact causes some people to stick their heads in the sand and do nothing at all.  They feel if they can't give big, their donation isn't important.  Moreover, they're afraid they'll be embarrassed when they're lined up next to those with deeper pockets.

NEWSFLASH!  Giving non-monetary support can be even more important than a big check.   Case in point: I have no idea how many cancer research collection points there are, but there must be hundreds, all worthy, to be sure.  But when someone is actually going through cancer, the most important thing at that moment is the moral support of someone else who's been there. 

While I give money to some of the research organizations (Race for the Cure, Relay for Life, etc.), I like the idea of giving from my other stashes even better.  I can share my experiences, my empathy and my knowledge (i.e., my time), and those things can't be measured in dollars and cents.

Finally, get over whether or not your favorite charity is "cool" enough.  EVERY one is important.  Children, the arts, the disease du jour, animals, women in third world countries - pick one and then just do it!  Don't let anyone tell you your choice isn't worthy - they ALL are.

Picture a world where there are no needs.  Everyone has plenty of food, a roof over their heads, and the loving support of others.  Now picture yourself as part of the reason that idyllic life exists.  It could happen.  Find the courage not to count what you give, but what you keep.  Then step on up!