Lesson Fifteen: Contribute to Good Causes

Give your time and money to people and organizations that make a difference. This is your greatest power (aside from voting).

It might be time to reconsider your charitable giving. Many of us made our charitable giving decisions a long time ago, but now is a good time to reevaluate.

What are your values right now? What is most important this year?

When you look at the news, what stories break your heart? Who are the helpers that you can support? Even a few dollars can make a difference.

Maybe you cannot give financially, but can give your time. Send them notes of encouragement. People doing the hardest work are tired and some days feel hopeless, let them know you see them, let them know you appreciate the work they do.

Where are you spending your time and money?

You can support authors by buying their books directly from their websites or independent bookstores. Subscribe to the podcasts you listen to and the blogs you follow. Like and share their work.

Do some research into the businesses where you shop and the entertainment companies.

Do they support political campaigns? How do they treat their employees?

Are you financially contributing to truth seeking journalism?

A quick internet search can often help answer these questions. 

All of this takes time and effort, and it might cost you more money, but this is the way to make a difference that is the least risky and the least costly.

It begins by asking, what do you believe in?

I continue to believe that the Gospel is the greatest weapon against tyranny. I believe the role of the Church is to stand up as the opposing force, not as a political rival, but by making disciples of Jesus Christ. This is slow work, but it’s through the transformation of hearts that the world is transformed.

I would encourage you to support a local church that’s serious about its mission and give them your support through your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service, and your witness.

 This is part 16 of a series inspired by my reading of On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons Learned From the Twentieth Century, by Timothy Snyder as part of my effort to offer Christian insight to those wondering what to do in this moment.