There are good deeds, which are short in duration and others which truly have lasting effect. As a general statement, all good deeds make the community a better place. So, how is helping the "fisherman" a lasting good deed? Can every person in the community help the "fisherman"? Let's first discuss the concept of the "fisherman" in context of this article. There is a wonderful saying that has stood the test of time from the Spanish philosopher Maimonides as follows:
"Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime."
In writing this article, I refer to the "fisherman" as any person searching for a job or any small business seeking additional customers. Here is another question to consider for yourself: How can I help the "fisherman"? This is simple. Merely have your eyes and ears open for opportunities for those in the community seeking a job. Do the same for small business owners by referring leads and additional customers to other small business owners. Being aware that a friend or contact is seeking a job is important. You may find out about the job search by the "fisherman", friends, family members, social media, etc. . . Once you become aware, be willing to help. Make a call on behalf of that person seeking a job if you know somebody at a company where have a connection. Provide job leads of which you become aware to aspiring "fisherman". If you are in a position to write a recommendation or an online review on Linked In or Google Plus for the job seeker, do that as well. You can also do all of these things for small businesses.
It is abundantly clear that every person in the community can help the "fisherman" from the stay at home parent to the corporate CEO to every one in between. It starts with a strong desire to help and then some effort to provide information, recommendations, and resources to the aspiring and opportunistic "fisherman". Of course, as noted by Maimonides, there is a certain value and importance to the "fisherman" learning a job skill or trade and becoming, in essence, independent. However, this does not mean that the "fisherman" has to find the best fishing spots or navigate the waters all by him or herself.
Landing a job provides both confidence and income to the "fisherman". This then has a ripple effect to the family of the "fisherman" as well as the community as a whole. Certainly, performing a random act of kindness in the form of a free cup of coffee at Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts can give a person that extra lift to his or her day. However, helping a person land a job is a true life-changer especially a job that turns into a career at a company, business, or organization.
Now, go forth with the intent, desire, and effort to help the "fisherman". The Good Deed salutes the "fisherman" and all those willing to help the "fisherman" land that next catch. Remember, wherever you see the Good Deed Brigade, it's all good.
This article originally appeared in the August 2015 issue of The Creekline Newspaper.
