Be a Yesbody!!

One day I was leaving work in a particularly good mood, having had met some steep goals and feeling awesome! I went into a gas station to buy a drink and the girl behind the counter asked in a monotone voice if I would like to donate to a cause. Honestly, I can't even remember what it was, but without even thinking about it I answered with a smile, " Yes! I would like to donate to a good cause! " The girls countenance completely changed and she looked at me for a minute and then said, " I want to be someone who responds like that."

She took me by surprise. In that moment, it dawned on me how many " no's " she had heard that day even though the donation was only a $1. How many times have I said no to donating or dodged the hopeful gaze of girl scouts outside the grocery store. I can so often fall into the posture of protecting my assets that I don't think about how far that investment will go. It was obvious that day, that we both walked away from our 2 minute meeting having radically changed each others perspectives. The dollar I donated was not as important as the attitude in which I gave it. In having an open hand, I was able to reach her heart. There a human connectedness that happens when we are free with our blessings.

When I was taking Financial Peace University, I heard Dave Ramsey describe it in monetary terms. He said that when we have closed fists with our money we can't give or receive but when we have open hands with our money we are free to receive and to give. I think this is true of all our resources, time, money, physical possessions, ect. When a friend calls and needs a sitter last minute, when someone needs help moving, when someone is asking for donations for a mission trip, what's your attitude and response? I know there are times we legitimately can't or have to say no, but is it your desire to say yes? Is the posture of your heart to be free with your blessings? The monetary value of what you give isn't the significant part. To the salvation army employee ringing her bell, your eye contact and change made her feel like a person when she has been ignored all day. To the little girls selling their cookies, you have built their confidence. To the friend that desperately needs help moving, you have encouraged his heart knowing he is not alone. The effect you have on others can catapult a ripple of generosity that goes far and beyond where you will ever see it!

My mom likes to tell this story about me and my brother Jesse. When I was about 4, being a brat, I told him, " You're a nobody!" To which he replied with indignation, " No, I not! I a yesbody!"

So much truth in those words though. When we close ourselves off we are nobody, abdicating from connecting with others. When we open ourselves up to one another we become yesbodys that inspire change and bring hope and healing. Next time someone asks you for something, I challenge you to be a yesbody!