Ponderings from Broadcast Television
I think I’ve mentioned before about what a sucker I am for good advertising, today was no exception. While watching Lost (oh my goodness, what’s up with the young Ben and old Ben existing at the same time?!) I saw a commercial for Liberty Mutual. As a disclaimer I do not use their services, nor have I ever. The commercial is about responsibility, go watch it here.
It got me thinking about what my responsibility is to my fellowman. How far does that responsibility go before it becomes enabling? I’ve always been a bit more socially liberal than most in my circle. I feel like life is a hard road to hoe and we should help one another- lightening each others burdens, not make them harder.
I think it goes beyond simple gestures of kindness (however I would have been very appreciative if someone had given me a seat at the post office when I was 8mo. pregnant with my son and struggling with an ackward box!). I know I will never be philanthropic on the scale of Hollywood Celelbrities or NBA stars, my budget is meager. I do give money every month to my church and a portion to help people in need in my area. Sometimes I feel I could do more than just throw money around, but I fall short in coming up with a plan.
My mother and sister have been fantastic examples to me in this area. My sister has built many houses for Habitat for Humanity – not just in the USA. My mother spent time volunteering as a grief counselor- touching the lives of so many. I get lazy I guess and think to myself, but I have two young kids at home and a husband who works weekends, how could I do either of those things?
How have people changed and enriched your lives through service? Or what have you done that you have seen make a difference in the life of others?
March 19th, 2009 at 7:27 am
psst! does anyone have a dog that they walk regularly? If so, could you email me (see contact link up top)- thanks!
heather
March 19th, 2009 at 8:38 am
I used to work for Liberty Mutual as a media producer, so I am tight with all the advertising and PR folks. They get more fan mail for these ads than they ever had. I’ll pass along that you liked the commercial the next time I’m either up in Boston, or talking to one of my old work pals.
March 19th, 2009 at 11:25 am
Hey heather,
not to be a Lost geek or anything, but I think Ben and the rest of the airplane people are in a different time, cause when Sun and the pilot went to the island it was all abandoned and Christian told them they had a long journey to find Jin….just sayin…
On the other topic, We don’t have a lot of money or time to be great philanthropists either, but what we do try to do is be very conscious about where we shop and what we do locally to support our community. Times are hard for local business these days and all those who make an effort to shop locally are keeping money, jobs, and business going in their areas! It might not be much, but if everyone did a little, it would go a long way…
Cheers, Kim
March 19th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
I always question where my money goes when donating to charities (especially the big ones, it seems) so I prefer to donate my skills and time. I knit and crochet socks, afghans, sweaters, mittens and toys for various organizations, like Afghans for Afghans, Children in Common, Knit for the Cure, and local hospital preemie units. I find it very satisfying, easy to do since I always have yarn and a hook or needles handy, and I can still work on my other things, picking up a charity project every once in a while in between. Sometimes I get overwhelmed, because so many good causes are out there, but I do what I can, and try to think that if I made one head a little warmer with a knitted cap, at least that’s something!
And yes, Kim is right, there are two different time periods going on in Lost. Ben and Sun are together on the island “now,” and Jin, Sawyer, Jack and the others are there in the 1970′s…
March 19th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
This is a great topic!
I have a hard time donating money too. I always wonder where it all goes. I like to donate my talents and time. You know the Humanitarian Services has TONS of projects that take some crafting and sewing skills to complete. I have made quite a few things for them in the past. It fills my need to be creative and give service all at the same time.
My husband went to play basketball last night so I flipped on the TV and found myself trying to figure out what the heck was happening on LOST. I have never seen an episode and I could not make heads or tails of anything! Maybe I should start from season 1!
March 19th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
My skills aren’t really the kind that needy people could use (statistics? seriously?) but my husband worked a lot of years as an electrician, so I offer him to people with electical issues. fortunately, he supports me in this.
Other than that, we give to most causes that ask that we’re familiar enough with to trust. BSA? Sure, here’s $20. Our alma mater? You bet, here’s a smidge back. And of course tithing etc.
March 20th, 2009 at 10:51 am
I have something to say about this. Here is one of my stories.
I have a neighbor boy, Luke, he lives next door. He comes from a very very disfunctional family. Since he was 3 (he is almost 7 now) he has been like my 3rd child. I watch him after school (not because anyone has ever asked me, but when I go to drop him off no one is ever home). I feed him dinner almost every night, he goes camping with us. I run errands with him. I do all of him homework with him, I know his teacher and reading teacher well…etc.
You asked when does it become enabling? My answer is, that is not for us to decide! If you know someone needs help, through just your mere knowledge of the situation they are in, you have instantly become responsible for helping with that situation. Because, when is it ever okay to just stand back, shake your head, wring your hands and watch with no action? Never! Read the March VT message this month. Its about this very thing. (Then look up the talk for the last quote.)
This is a topic I am very passionate about. A world of ‘every man for himself’, ‘protect my family and no others’, ‘save yourselves’, is not what was intended for this world.
I could go on and on. But that is my two cents on the subject.