The Power Of Love
Ashley Thaba | Monday October 12, 2020 15:14
It was an interesting interview because it illuminated some things I have never thought about. The host of the show indicated that most of the time people feel like only a big company can do “corporate social activities” with the assumption that an individual can’t do much so why try. My husband and I are really not that “big”. We are extremely busy hands on parents homeschooling our three children. We don’t work for a mega corporation with a big budget to be spent to do works in the community. We did formally register a Foundation to do our nonprofit work under, called the The Healthy Families Foundation. However, that was only recently approved so most of our work has been done on an individual level.
Here is what we have. We have love, the power and wisdom of the Holy Spirit, and a passion to make the world a brighter place! With those three simple ingredients, which are accessible and available to any person on planet earth, we have managed, by the grace of God, to encourage thousands and receive testimonies of lives changed for the better each week from all around Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Swaziland, and Malawi. I do not say that in any way to toot my own horn, but rather to say if a little chatty housewife like me can encourage nations, I am sure you can do way more than me!
Last week, I wrote about the power of love. In a world where most everyone is consumed with watching out for “me”, when someone loves them and serves them expecting nothing in return, it changes lives. We all have the ability to do that. You don’t need money or to work for a big fancy company. You just need the desire to think about someone else’s needs and not your own and act out of a servant heart.
Another question was asked to my husband and I, “Why do you do this? What is in it for you?” That might be a question you are asking yourself as I encourage you to look around you this week and serve others with love. I do a lot of private one on one counselling and there is one consistent “treatment” I give to my clients which always works, especially in the case of those who are feeling depressed and empty like their life lacks meaning and direction. I encourage them this week to look around them – their family, their neighbors, their work place, their church, etc.
Look for three practical ways you can help spread love to others. Can you write them a note? Can you buy their lunch? Can you babysit their child? Can you bake them a cake? Can you call them and make it a goal to simply find out what is going on in their life and show genuine concern for their wellbeing?
Can you invite them to dinner (observing all Covid-19 protocols)? Can you identify a hard-working family who might appreciate your children’s hand me down clothes which are still in good condition? Do you have excess vegetables or fruits growing in your yard that you can just surprise a neighbor and say “I thought you might enjoy this.” Can you show up to work one day with fresh baked goodies for the office?
What can you do to make your world a better place? Here is the kicker to this working. You can’t do it with selfish motives. You can’t expect to get thanked or you will end up resenting the person if they don’t shower you with appreciation. You have to do it from a pure heart that simply wants to love others.
Think about how you love your children. You do it without the expectation they will thank you every time. You do it out of a pure heart of love and a desire to make their lives better. Do that and analyze how you feel. I can pretty much guarantee that you will feel internal joy. You will feel a peace and a sense of purpose. When you lay your head down on your pillow, you will smile knowing your very presence in Botswana today made someone’s else’s load lighter and someone’s day brighter.
One day someone will ask you, “What motivates you to love others?” You will be able to genuinely say, “It is rewarding to help others. It doesn’t just help them. It helps me!”
*Ashley Thaba is a popular motivational speaker, team building facilitator, author and the Producer of a hit TV show offering practical advice to strengthen families and improve marriages! Episodes of her show can be downloaded from her website – www.ashleythaba.com.You can view some of her work on her YouTube channel: Ashley Thaba. You can buy three of her books, Dive In, Making Marriages Fun, and Conquering the Giants, on her website. You can email her at askthaba@gmail.com or follow her on Facebook at: Talking with the Thabas