CHARITY
 

Today I want to address something which is prevalent in today’s society that brings out the best in everybody. What is Charity? My definition, and I think most American’s definition, is giving of one self freely that which you have. Charity is helping other people out of the goodness of one’s heart with no expectation of anything in return. Charity is a very noble and worthy thing to be part of. Whether you are on the receiving end, or the giving end, this is as good as it gets in today’s society. What charity is not? Charity is not taking from some and redistributing to others. Charity is not taking from those who have a lot by force, ie, taxation, and giving to others that may need. When a government, be it state or federal, forces an individual or company to give simply because they have more, with the sole intent of giving it to those that have less, that is not charity. When government gives services and goods to citizens, remember first they have to take it from a citizen. When Government intervenes in times of natural disasters, by throwing money and assistance at those who may or may not need it, is this in fact Charity? My answer is NO! Government can only give what it takes from someone to give to another, and that is not charity. Now I do not want you to think I have no compassion for others because that simply is not true. The volunteer work I have done of late, collecting goods and money from others who gave out of the goodness of their heart is charitable. The money and goods I have given, along with my friends and family to help those who were devastated by this latest disaster, Hurricane Harvey, has been what I call charity in action. Many people, too many to list here personally have given of their time, their resources, and out of the goodness of their hearts sacrificially to help those in dire need. Some of us continue as we recognize the need will be ongoing for quite some time.

I will continue to help as I can those who have been so badly hurt. My heart is truly humbled and blessed to be part of this nationwide effort of Charity to those who have lost so much. This is truly America and American principles at work and is a wonderful thing to draw people together and end so much division. This is a cause most American’s can and will embrace as their hearts dictate. I applaud President Trump, Senator Cruz, Governor Abbott, and the officials across this nation who have given personally of their own time, and resources, and yes their money also to help others who are in such dire need. This truly is a blessing to see in this country. I also applaud others who are out there on the front lines, Search and Rescue, with their own boats, and giving of their time to help others that are still missing. My friends Chad Neal, and his wife Niki Neal are just 2 of the many who are helping in the effort to reduce the suffering and misery being felt down in Texas. This is the definition I believe of charity. Many of us, simply out of the goodness of our hearts are willing to step up to the plate and help those who need the most in times like these. This is what we as a nation are willing to do in the way of Charity. Please remember to pray for those who are in harm’s way, out there on the front lines assisting as they can to help others, and thank them for what they are doing. If you feel so inclined there are many wonderful organizations that you can give to, The Salvation Army, The Red Cross, The Cajun Navy, Patriot Express, Many No kill Shelters, Habitat for Humanity, and many more helping the victims of this disaster. I too will be accepting donations where I am going tomorrow in Okmulgee at TSC, and will give the goods and proceeds I receive to Chad and Niki Neal for distribution when they go back down to Texas.

Please remember also my heartfelt prayers go with all who are down there and yes I truly believe the answer to giving to the people in need during this disaster lies not in Government throwing money at them, but out of the goodness of people’s hearts, giving as they feel led to do so in whatever way they can. I believe this is the true answer to helping others in need. Let’s all agree to join hands across this nation and be as charitable as we can be. What do you think? Am I wrong in what I think is the answer? Give me some feedback here please.