Comments on: The Reality of Giving – Is Oprah Right?

By: Diane

Diane — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 23:57:43 +0000

What good comes from Mainstream Media? Look where we are politically in the U.S. now, with them contributing to the country’s downfall by lying to us, hiding truth from us, and preferring evil world-view politics?
I’ve watched Oprah once, and won’t again.
The Bible teaches us, so we don’t fall for the world’s tricks.

By: Mike Stephens

Mike Stephens — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 19:03:35 +0000

But for the record “GOD IS!!!”

By: Mike Stephens

Mike Stephens — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:14:28 +0000

I think that is what is so AMAZING about giving it cannot be properly known why the person gave. Only the person who gave knows the motive!!! Why do we love God? B/c he first loved us!!! I think giving is a mystery.

Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners Christ died for us!!!”

By: Ken Norwood

Ken Norwood — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 00:54:40 +0000

Beth-

What a great reminder of the real essence and dignity of giving – the impact related to sponsorship is huge and like you I look forward to the continued fruit of lives impacted with the ultimate reality – eternal life and hope!
Appreciate your comment-
Ken

By: Beth

Beth — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 20:23:45 +0000

I would like to see the participants of this show 1, 2, 5 and maybe even 10 years from now and see what the long term effects have been. One of the things I cherish most about sponsorship through Compassion is the relationships that are being built over the long run with the children we sponsor. I have heard countless stories of sponsored children who graduate and still keep in touch with the sponsor they’ve had for years! That is so important to these lives being truly changed. They KNOW they really MATTER forever to God and to their sponsors. Really giving and helping others involves so much more than money and material things. I haven’t watched this show. I’m not into reality tv, but I’m curious to see how it plays out.

Beth

By: Ovetta Sampson - Copy Program Manager

Ovetta Sampson - Copy Program Manager — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 19:39:02 +0000

Ken,
You are so right to be torn. I mean on one hand giving is giving right? Shouldn’t we rejoice that there’s a reality show that even touches upon the selfless act of giving to others? But altruism aside,I have to say that if the giving isn’t ingrained in the heart, in the being, in who you are as a person, couldn’t the need to give disappear as quick as the cameras, lights and television season? Don’t get me wrong. For Oprah to get the most self-obsessed country in the world to think of others is a miracle. But how long will all this giving last if people don’t understand WHY they are giving? If they are not rooted in Isaiah 58:10 “and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.”

If you have no reason for giving other than your own need for altruism then how long lasting will your giving be? We give because God gave the greatest gift of all, his Son to save us. And that’s a gift that never dies, fades or runs out. And neither does our committment to share that blessing with others.
Thanks for the post Ken. You rock!

By: Amy

Amy — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 18:01:29 +0000

I didn’t watch the show, but I love the conclusions you’ve drawn. Thanks for your honesty!

By: Becky Tschamler

Becky Tschamler — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 16:10:51 +0000

Ken this is a great post.

I had similar feelings after watching the show … I was struggling against cynicism towards the people that were giving to others out of selfish motives (to make themselves feel better, to win money) instead of a more altruistic motive. But I think you’re right. Good is being done, even if it is for the sake of ABC making money on another reality show.

And even more importantly, normal everyday people who are doing extraodinary things are being recognized in front of millions of viewers. If nothing else, it’s a great way to encourage people who might not otherwise ever get recognized for what they are doing. I will watch the show again not for the contestants, but for the people they are helping.