Discussion about this post

User's avatar
Switter’s World's avatar

I recently posted a story about Jessica Buchanan, a young American aid worker in Somalia, who was kidnapped along with her Norwegian colleague and held for a $45 million ransom for her unselfish work on behalf of Somali children. No white savior, she simply taught them how to avoid being mangled or killed by landmines and live ordnance. She endured hellish conditions for 93 days of living in the open desert under constant threat of violence.

At the same time, a group of highly trained Navy SEALs prepared for a rescue mission that required a parachute drop from 20,000', hiking across the desert bush in almost absolute darkness and fighting a well armed enemy while not wounding the hostages. After neutralizing the nine pirates, they found Jessica, and as one SEAL lifted her and carried her to safety, the other SEALs ran along side as human shields.

Jessica returned home and went onto further service helping women reach their greatest potential. The SEAL who lead the rescue told her, “It was the pleasure of my life to come and rescue you.”

I really don’t think I have much more to say about the life affirming effects of giving, other than the greater the gift, the greater the blessing.

Expand full comment
SallyJG's avatar

Wonderfully insightful thoughts. I’ve (mostly) let go of worrying about outcomes, because I have no control over how other people receive. And my late father, a VERY generous man, long ago chastised me for not wanting to accept his frequent gifts, by telling me that I needed to be a gracious receiver as well as a gracious giver, since it made HIM feel good to give. Thank you again for your musings on this prayer!

Expand full comment
23 more comments...

No posts