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The Joy of Giving

 

"Happy holiday!" A Salvadorean friend told me on Thanksgiving. "Which holiday is it today?", I asked him, knowing that most Salvadoreans don't celebrate Thanksgiving or even mark it on their calendars. "Today's the beginning of Black Friday, the only holiday that matters in YOUR country!" he said, somewhat sarcastically - but also as a jab at American culture.

Sometimes as missionaries we find ourselves in the middle of cultural exchanges where it is hard to separate legitimate criticism from outright discrimination - but that is where it is helpful to remember that we are not apologists for America or any culture, and will win no hearts or minds for Jesus by preaching nationalism or American hegemony. So I took his comment in stride and simply thanked him, even if the interaction left me feeling deflated. I wish that I could show him what Thanksgiving really means - even if it sometimes feels like people in the US may be forgetting it themselves. 

Unfortunately, most Salvadoreans here view American culture as ignorant, exaggerated, greedy, and obsessed with consumerism - and their focus on the negatives drowns out many of the more redeeming qualities the US has to offer. His comment was meant as a critique, but little did he know that most Americans really take giving thanks on Thanksgiving seriously - and although Black Friday (and now Black Weekend) has been tacked on at the end of the celebration - the idea wasn't initially about buying things for yourself, but for others - and it is this focus on others which has lead to another new add on to the Thanksgiving holiday, in the form of Giving Tuesday - a day centered on donating to charities that very few other cultures celebrate. It should be no surprise that while yes, Americans are often consumeristic, we also are very giving - and give more to charity than any other country per capita.

As missionaries, we see the benefits of America's generous spirit first hand - as we ourselves are on the front lines supporting, serving, and giving to others - not in the name of any country or culture, but in the name of the Kingdom of God, and we are blessed to see the impact that generosity has every day on countless lives across the world.   If, however, our generous spirit were ever to be lost, it would truly be a 'black day'. 

So here is celebrating Thankfulness, family, giving, and generousity! May God bless you this holiday season - and if you are one of many people celebrating Giving Tuesday - and would like to partner with us and our work here blessing El Salvador - your contribution will be very much appreciated!



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