Bless your heart, Bob Leonard for being the kind of man who stops and asks questions. Our church, Second Reformed Church in Pella, is also serving free lunches 3 times a week throughout the summer. I invite you to stop by anytime you’re in town.
Yes. This was very helpful. While in Romania, we struggled a bit (and still do) for the right attitudes on giving to those who asked. Judging isn't helpful. Controlling isn't helpful. What you did that was so helpful was that you talked. And that you didn't pass our quarters to ease your mind but may not be so helpful. Half of the benefit to Food Pantry clients here in Decorah Iowa is the caring conversation our volunteers offer. The other benefit is that the enormous amount of throw-away food from grocery stores, Luther College, and Gas Stations is not wasted, but is freely offered to those who will accept.
Thanks so much. I needed to hear this today. I was about to do some retail therapy, justified in my mind by some hard things we are going through. After reading this and thinking a bit, I decided I would actually feel better if I sent out some money to one or two of the good causes with funding requests piled up on my desk. You made my day better.
Great article, Bob! I too try to instill in my children the importance of helping others in times of need. I also agree with your point on the Salvation Army. Especially as I’ve gotten older, I’m unwilling to support organizations and companies that discriminate against marginalized communities.
Touching stories of your and other’s generosity to those in need. I believe, however, such generosity should be in the hands of individuals, not our government- state or national. Governor Reynolds’ rejection of the US Federal money was simply furthering the idea not to use everyone’s tax dollars as a hand out for a purpose many would oppose.
Respectfully, individuals can't keep up. Neither can nonprofits or religious groups. The system is sucking all of the resources to billionaires. Smart government needs to step in. The money each of us pays in tax dollars into SNAP programs is nothing compared to the subsidies our tax dollars serve as handouts to wealthy corporations. Feeding hungry children isn't a cost. It's an investment. Governor Reynolds not using available Federal money to feed hungry children was a cruel application of state-sponsored structural violence with terrible consequences.
Thank you, Bob. Your kindness and empathy are gifts that you very generously share with others. You also are very generous with your time which may be your greatest gift. As I have told you before, you notice the people and places that too many of us pass off as white noise. I enjoyed the story about the gentleman to whom you gave $10 and when asked what he was going to do with it he told you that he was going to buy beer. I remember Pope Francis telling people to give money to the people on the street who have nothing. When asked if he worried that they might spend it on alcohol. He said “No and if they did, so what?”. I think that is the very essence of giving - share with no judgement.
I remember this powerful piece, Bob. Thank you!
Keep it up. An old Tracyite.
Bless your heart, Bob Leonard for being the kind of man who stops and asks questions. Our church, Second Reformed Church in Pella, is also serving free lunches 3 times a week throughout the summer. I invite you to stop by anytime you’re in town.
Thank you Sherril! What days of the week? thanks.
Monday, Wednesday, Friday.
It would be fun if you could let me know if and when you might drop in.
The generosity of your soul, your words, and your actions is remarkable. Thank you for this uplifting collection of human interactions
Thank you. You are very kind.
Yes. This was very helpful. While in Romania, we struggled a bit (and still do) for the right attitudes on giving to those who asked. Judging isn't helpful. Controlling isn't helpful. What you did that was so helpful was that you talked. And that you didn't pass our quarters to ease your mind but may not be so helpful. Half of the benefit to Food Pantry clients here in Decorah Iowa is the caring conversation our volunteers offer. The other benefit is that the enormous amount of throw-away food from grocery stores, Luther College, and Gas Stations is not wasted, but is freely offered to those who will accept.
Thank you for telling us these stories in your gentle and kind voice. I hope by reading this we all become more understanding and caring.
Thanks so much. I needed to hear this today. I was about to do some retail therapy, justified in my mind by some hard things we are going through. After reading this and thinking a bit, I decided I would actually feel better if I sent out some money to one or two of the good causes with funding requests piled up on my desk. You made my day better.
Love this one, Bob. Full of compassion and realism.
Wonderful Bob.
Great article, Bob! I too try to instill in my children the importance of helping others in times of need. I also agree with your point on the Salvation Army. Especially as I’ve gotten older, I’m unwilling to support organizations and companies that discriminate against marginalized communities.
This is a profoundly important piece. Thank you for being the person we all talk about becoming for others.
Touching stories of your and other’s generosity to those in need. I believe, however, such generosity should be in the hands of individuals, not our government- state or national. Governor Reynolds’ rejection of the US Federal money was simply furthering the idea not to use everyone’s tax dollars as a hand out for a purpose many would oppose.
Who is “the system”?
Respectfully, individuals can't keep up. Neither can nonprofits or religious groups. The system is sucking all of the resources to billionaires. Smart government needs to step in. The money each of us pays in tax dollars into SNAP programs is nothing compared to the subsidies our tax dollars serve as handouts to wealthy corporations. Feeding hungry children isn't a cost. It's an investment. Governor Reynolds not using available Federal money to feed hungry children was a cruel application of state-sponsored structural violence with terrible consequences.
Glad to see so many supportive comments proving that your message has struck a a chord. There is hope!
Thank you, Bob. Your kindness and empathy are gifts that you very generously share with others. You also are very generous with your time which may be your greatest gift. As I have told you before, you notice the people and places that too many of us pass off as white noise. I enjoyed the story about the gentleman to whom you gave $10 and when asked what he was going to do with it he told you that he was going to buy beer. I remember Pope Francis telling people to give money to the people on the street who have nothing. When asked if he worried that they might spend it on alcohol. He said “No and if they did, so what?”. I think that is the very essence of giving - share with no judgement.
Thanks Kathi! I had forgotten the Pope's comment!
My heart is bursting with empathy for your sacred gifts and the kind people that were gifted. Thank you for yet another reason to vote BLUE.
Thanks, Bob. This is a very good piece,.