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.
Thank you for this wonderful story of giving and receiving. I have always been less comfortable with receiving and it has taken a lifetime to appreciate that giving/receiving isn't a transaction it is a way of living aware and embracing our interdependence.
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!
Fascinating, Sally. Not too long ago, I finally learned about “love languages” (which has improved my relationships quite a lot 🥰). Who knew that gift-giving is one of them? My mother was like that. She was a talented crafter and always gave us stuff she’d made. Can’t turn that down! But it does add up over the years.
My husband and I were reflecting on reciprocation last night, how good it feels to partake in that circle of give and receive, and how cruel and peculiar a disease like ALS eventually removes any ability for a patient to reciprocate, not even with a word or smile. I wondered if my friend Dylan, in late stage ALS, has even forgotten the joy of reciprocation, a muscle that long disappeared with all his other motor neurons. I feel sad thinking this may be the case, but will never know bc he can no longer communicate. And even sadder thinking that maybe I have it all wrong and he’s invented an entirely different, perhaps more subtle or vibrational, way to reciprocate and I’m too dense to feel it. :)
"When I go into the woods, slow down and let my senses lead me, I encounter snails with perfect spiral shells, adorable moss in flower, fallen leaves of brilliant design, rain coursing down craggy tree bark in tiny rainbow bubbles, a loquacious stream."
Breathtaking. I have many thoughts about giving, especially having spent years reflecting on "Takes" as I write the book. I appreciate reading your insights so much.
It took me a long time to become as comfortable receiving as giving. I had a friend who was always doing and caring for others, including me. As she began to decline in health and strength, I reminded her of all she had done for others AND the joy she experienced in doing it. I explained that she now had to let us do for her, help her and know that we are receiving that joy. She became a grateful recipient of much love and assistance, and I better learned a lesson I had spoken before I fully understand myself.
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.
Well, this made me weepy. You win.
Thanks for this reminder of the good in (some) people. What a story!
(most)
Thank you for this wonderful story of giving and receiving. I have always been less comfortable with receiving and it has taken a lifetime to appreciate that giving/receiving isn't a transaction it is a way of living aware and embracing our interdependence.
I never thought of it as a transaction in our culture, but you are absolutely correct. I really appreciate your definition.
Amazing story, thank you.
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!
Fascinating, Sally. Not too long ago, I finally learned about “love languages” (which has improved my relationships quite a lot 🥰). Who knew that gift-giving is one of them? My mother was like that. She was a talented crafter and always gave us stuff she’d made. Can’t turn that down! But it does add up over the years.
Yes, I can see they’d add up! His ‘gifts’ were usually green and could be deposited in the bank!
Ah, an old Italian custom! 💸
My husband and I were reflecting on reciprocation last night, how good it feels to partake in that circle of give and receive, and how cruel and peculiar a disease like ALS eventually removes any ability for a patient to reciprocate, not even with a word or smile. I wondered if my friend Dylan, in late stage ALS, has even forgotten the joy of reciprocation, a muscle that long disappeared with all his other motor neurons. I feel sad thinking this may be the case, but will never know bc he can no longer communicate. And even sadder thinking that maybe I have it all wrong and he’s invented an entirely different, perhaps more subtle or vibrational, way to reciprocate and I’m too dense to feel it. :)
What a beautiful contemplation. I wouldn't be at all surprised if vibrational giving is a "thing." Do you ever read Andrea Gibson. They had a post at the end of October that I'm still thinking about. https://substack.com/@andreagibson/note/c-74318031?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=4cg2x
They were actually my first introduction to and subscription on Substack! Their offerings evergreen and ever-inspiring.
truly
No wonder the Pope chose his name ... . Lovely essay, Julie,
Thanks, Mary. 🕊🤍
"When I go into the woods, slow down and let my senses lead me, I encounter snails with perfect spiral shells, adorable moss in flower, fallen leaves of brilliant design, rain coursing down craggy tree bark in tiny rainbow bubbles, a loquacious stream."
Breathtaking. I have many thoughts about giving, especially having spent years reflecting on "Takes" as I write the book. I appreciate reading your insights so much.
Thanks, Mary Beth. I love seeing what resonates. 🕊️🤍
It took me a long time to become as comfortable receiving as giving. I had a friend who was always doing and caring for others, including me. As she began to decline in health and strength, I reminded her of all she had done for others AND the joy she experienced in doing it. I explained that she now had to let us do for her, help her and know that we are receiving that joy. She became a grateful recipient of much love and assistance, and I better learned a lesson I had spoken before I fully understand myself.
Beautiful.
Thanks for this lovely contemplation on giving, Julie.
I loved your paragraph about noticing nature and all its beautiful gifts.
Your post brought to mind the things I have in my space that bring to mind family and friends who gave them to me, and how comforting that is.
Yes! They’re like talismans.
Julie, I have really been enjoying this series. Thank you!
Thanks for reading! Glad you’re enjoying it. 🤍
It’s been a balm for these shorter days.