A Closer Look at Philanthropy
PHILANTHROPY: phi-lan-thro-py (noun) Synonyms: benevolence /generosity/altruism
Definition: “An act or gift done or made for humanitartian purposes; goodwill to fellow members of the human race.”
Sometimes a word suggests that there’s much more to it than meets the eye, showing itself in a different light from the usual definition. This is true of philanthropy. When you think of the word philanthropy, what comes to your mind? Very likely some of the biggest, most powerful names in our world, going back to Alfred Nobel and Andrew Carnegie up to today’s Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, all of them individuals whose contributions have made a lasting impact on society.
These top tier names not only conjure up benevolence, but they also make us think of money, big dollars, large bequests. But all around us charitable giving is taking place not only on a large scale but also in small ways. It is reported that charitable giving in the U.S. in 2021 totalled $484.85 billion, but not all of it was in huge sums. People see the needs of the vulnerable, the trafficked, the abused, and the enslaved and are moved to do something about it, giving as they are able, usually to a trustworthy nonprofit organization or to a church.
However, not everyone has the financial resources to give. In this regard, the word philanthropy assumes a broader meaning when we realize that we can be philanthropic not only in monetary gifts but also in our words and actions, especially when we consider one of the definitions above, which is “goodwill to fellow members of the human race.” Philanthropy of words may seem meaningless, but the people who bestow this gift are doing an incredible service. Consider the benevolent words of our teachers and older adults—even strangers—that boosted our self-esteem as well as our confidence and gave us a new, more positive attitude toward life. I just finished reading a book in which a judge’s words made a difference to an incarcerated young man who was serving a stiff sentence for crimes he was guilty of committing. The judge asked him if he would promise to go home and take care of his wife and children and stay away from dealing druge if he were pardoned. The young man promised. The touching incident appears in Winfred Rembert’s memoir. The judge’s benevolent words and act made a lasting impression on Rembert, and although he disappointed himself and slipped up afterward, he remembered the judge’s kindness later and went on to become an outstanding artist. Using leather as his medium, he created unforgettable works that have been exhibited in museums throughout the U.S. His creations have been compared to the work of the renowned African-American artist Jacob Lawrence. Philanthropic words can accomplish more than we realize.
Philanthropy comes from the Greek word philos, which means “love,” and anthropos, which means “man.” So, according to the Meriam Webster dictionary, the word may literally be translated as “loving people,” something that anybody can do. Today, philanthropic giving generally means tangible contributions, but think of what the apostle Paul says in I Corinthians 13:3: “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor . . . and have not love, it profits me nothing.” This is a powerful declaration that love must be the motivation for all our giving, whether it is a large donation or a small one, or the gift of kind, encouraging words. Love makes us give without asking for a tax receipt.
Be generous with your love. This kind of philanthropic influence cannot be estimated in dollars.
Blessings,
Judith
14 Comments
Nanette Schell
You showed me your philantrofic side when you came across the road to my
home with that huge dish of food more than fifty years ago.
I have never forgotten your act of kindness Judith.
Your writings are a true gift to all of us who take the time to read each one.
Love,
Nan.
Judith Nembhard
Hello Nan, my friend. Was that dish my potato salad? I have perfected it over the years. It gets great reviews.
I always appreciate your upbeat comments. Thanks for this one. Have a great day! JN
Fartema Fagin
Oh, ‘how much love you have put into this blog’ for your reading audience. I love Mother Teresa’s quote.
Philanthropist. Yes, one normally think of ‘rich people’ helping those less fortunate.
I love Dolly Parton’s philanthropic act program, Imagination Library, providing free children’s books to preschoolers in order for them to develop an appreciation for the written word, and learn to read.
Words of encouragement, sharing affirmations, practicing the love language of giving gifts, tithing, volunteering, etc., all are acts that broadens our ability to be successful philanthropists. Thank you for expanding my thoughts on the subject. There is a scripture, paraphrasing here. “to much is given, much is expected.’
Judith Nembhard
Hello Fartema,
You have said so much in your response to this blog. I like your reference to Dolly Parton’s library project. That is a blessing to so many youngsters. A philanthropic act indeed! I’m sure other readers resonate with the good observations you have made. Thanks. JN
Estella Harvey
Judith, I continue to enjoy reading your blogs! If one is capable of sharing with another God’s love, then they possess a philanthropic nature. Thank you for your kindness in sharing. 🙏🏽😊♥️🦚📚
Judith Nembhard
Hello Estella!! It’s great hearing from you. I thought of you recently in connection with your wonderful children’s book. It makes such a valuable contribution to our youngsters. Many blessings to you as you continue this most needed educational work. Thanks for your comment. JN
Grace Chen
Hi Judith,
I love reading all your blogs. Thank you for sharing them.
Judith Nembhard
Grace, how good to hear from you! So you have been reading my blog posts. I love that.
I’m sure that by now Daniel has begun to read. I remember all the vocabulary books
you had for the boys, so Daniel is in line for the same. He’ll have a perfect PSAT verbal score.
Words do matter, don’t they? Great hearing from you. JN
Louis Hemans
Thanks for your new Blog. Be assured that I admired you for your stellar performance at the Senior High School where you were Asst. Principal.
Re: Philanthrophy, that is one of the core principles that every decent person must have. Indeed, Jesus the Christ had to pass this test in his earthly life.
Judith Nembhard
Hello Mr. Hemans,
Salutations to a poet, one of kindred spirits working with language to make a difference in the world. I appreciate your kind comment. I’m glad that you connected philanthropy with our Lord Christ. After all, He is Love. Thanks for commenting. JN
Lynn Frye
Thank you so much for your blog and particularly this post. We can show kindness and love to others and make life better for all. We can change the world one person at a time.
Judith Nembhard
Hello Lynn,
Thank you for writing. You have spoken truth for this time. Oh, if we only showed the “kindness and love” that you point out. What a better world we would have! Philanthropy would reign in our nation. Our Lord would be so pleased with His children. We have to try to show this love and kindness right where we are and let it work on others. Thanks a lot for writing. JN
Ouida E. Westney
Thank you for sharing this larger perspective regarding the meaning and manifestations of philantrophy.
Judith Nembhard
Ouida, I’m glad that you found the blog post worthwhile. I appreciate your insightful comment. Our language has many facets that can be illuminating when we examine them. Thanks for writing. JN