Tuesday, July 1, 2014

anonymi-TEA

But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, (Matthew 6:33, NIV)

Pay it forward. Random Act of Kindness. (RAK) These contemporary terms describe unselfish giving of gifts. No thank you note required when the donor chooses to remain anonymous. 
At Hattiloo's Overton Square grand opening this past weekend, I noticed lots of "big" Memphis names and corporations who were etched into the wall of this black repertory theater's entry. But....what caught my eye was the simple one, "A Friend of Hattieloo." No fanfare. No accolade. No strings attached.
Such a gift was "downright" biblical. (Matthew 6:33) In the area of black arts, there has been a tremendous need for a platform for many Memphis actors "of color," as a former HHS student of mine shared with me.  Not just on the stage, but behind the stage expertise as well. So a "shout-out" of "Hooray" to that "friend of Hattieloo."

In the spiritual realm, anonymous giving is more than just a way to reignite one's faith in human kindness, it's a way to follow the examples set in God's word.
Certainly a cuppa anonymi-TEA in gift giving can brighten the day of the recipient or recipients, but it can brighten the "givers" day as well.