Talk Justice

 

It’s been a long winter hasn’t it? So long. I’m excited for spring and the new hope it brings to our hearts. I’m also so happy to begin a new series called Talk Justice!

My friend Amy Sullivan, writer of the amazing When More is not Enough, sparked thoughts about talking justice with our kids a few months ago when we were having a phone date. In the right context walking beside children and teaching them about justice issues from a young age, shapes them to be people who understand, empathize, serve, and love others.

 

I tried to put it off.

 

Then a little volume came to my mailbox to be reviewed. If you find this letter, by Hannah Brencher. She was featured in our Craft for a Cause Issuu magazine! As the founder of the World Needs More Love Letters, the book is a beautiful unfolding of her journey to crafting love letters to strangers and leaving them all over New York City. Her little dream grew into something so much bigger than herself, and millions have been touched by the love letter movement. Learn more at her website.

 

Hannah had this struggle I know well.

She longed for God to use her fully, but she didn’t feel good enough.

God used her anyway.

 

Do small things. On repeat. And think about other people. ~Hannah Brencher

 

That is what we are going to do each week.

 

I hope you will join me here on Mondays, for the next three months, to Talk Justice. Not just for ourselves, but for the generation we are raising up. They can handle proximity.

I’m really excited about so many things. (I’ll keep them a secret for now, but especially about Summer Serve Play Groups with the Citizen Kid Book Series given to About Proximity.)

 

Also, you are good enough. My love letter to you… I hope every time I write.

 

 

 

 

 

 

36 Hope Expands: About Proximity Projects

(36 Hope Expands. A series of 36 ways to expand compassion in our daily lives.)

I have a hefty list of things I would like to do with About Proximity, including a snazzier design. Also, I promise to never have ads, especially pop up ads, or start saying bad words, or talk to much. Mostly, I just really want to be faithful to God and make a difference, however small, to me that is hope. To me, that is why I write.

This one is simple. I’ve been wanting to start a new tab here. GIVE Projects. (See it up there?) There I will keep About Proximity’s projects. I hope the list grows and grows.

Remember Amy Sullivan’s book, When More is not Enough. She gave all the proceeds to a local ministry called Transformation Village. First book, she just went all out. I want to go without looking back too. I will be tithing my freelance writing work into our GIVE projects.

First up, a KIVA loan. We will contribute to a microfinance loan. When it gets paid back eventually, we get to pick a new person to receive the same amount.

Our first loan will go to Calixta Elizabeth from Ecuador, a single mom with a small eatery. The loan will allow her to purchase tables, chairs, and a business sign.

What do you dream of supporting if money and time were not an obstacle? 

When More is Not Enough

When More is Not Enough! This is Amy’s big day!

Have you ever dreamed of giving your gifts away. If I ever make enough money, I’d love to… well Amy didn’t wait. ALL proceeds of her book are going to Transformation Village, a housing ministry for women and children founded by Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministries. That extravagant generosity is Amy, and you will love her book.

 

She empowers us all to be givers and to raise givers with her smart, compassionate and funny voice. She gives birth on the side of the road, converses with imaginary critics and struggles through her daughters first years on permanent oxygen. Her journey to generosity is transparent, honest and down-to-earth.

God wanted more. He expected it. God desired to take what we saw as ours and turn it into his.”

Amy encourages us to leave behind the term youth entitlement. She offers practical ideas for our world, our community and in our home. I especially love the dinner table dialogue sections.

She also goes beyond the most often shared service ideas and challenges our hearts to serve through forgiveness, prayer and rest. What a beautiful invitation, that in order to serve we must rest. We must pray. And we must be ready to offer forgiveness. Providing rest, service and prayer for others is also an act of service.

 

This kind of heart shaping, deeply loving, extravagantly generous service shapes a beautiful life. We know this from the voice and life of Amy.

 

I’ll be giving away TWO copies of the book!

Just comment below to be entered. What is your biggest giving dream? What is your families best giving ideas?

Lets give Amy lots of proximity love! You can share her book, follow her journey on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and subscribe to her blog by email! We love you Amy and so beyond proud of you and difference your book will make!