Yesterday, the owner (Judd) of one of my favorite comic stores, Blastoff Comics, in North Hollywood told me why he sells comics. Every month he donates a percentage of his profits to a charity that’s announced on their FB page. We got into the importance of generosity. I said generosity not only impacts others but is also good for our souls. He nodded his head emphatically and said, “We were designed for more than ourselves.” When our ultimate goal is to live for ourselves, our lives are only as big as our flawed, limited beings. Our vision for our lives remains small. When we live with others in mind, out of generosity, or for a calling that’s greater than us, then our lives extend beyond ourselves. He and I acknowledged that there is something built in us that is meant for more than ourselves. We were meant to think beyond ourselves, beyond what we gain or get out of life. We were meant for higher callings. We sense that in us, and we’re always reaching for something greater than us. When we’re not living for more, our souls suffer. When we settle for self-satisfaction, our bellies may be full but our souls starve.
The generosity that we give creates beauty out of brokenness within us, because we become more selfless, less self-centered, and more sacrificial. Self-sacrifice is the stuff of heroes. But worries, stress, and insecurities suffocate the virtue of generosity. If you find yourself over worrying about your personal circumstances, try exercising generosity toward someone. Giving can be a remedy for worrying. It shifts your perspective. Worrying eats away at your soul. Giving feeds your soul, because we were designed for more than ourselves.
Brian See Chan 