The Giving Tree

Growing up in Girl Scouts taught me the importance of giving back. This lesson has stayed with me since. In Girl Scouts, service wasn’t just something we did occasionally; it was something all the girls looked forward to doing as often as possible. Whether it was helping at a local shelter, organizing fund raisers, or working together in the community, these experiences deeply ingrained in me the value of serving others.

Giving back can take many forms – supporting your family, lending a hand to a friend, giving a little extra to your work, or actively engaging in your community. The common thread is that service is not something we do for recognition but as an act of kindness, compassion, and generosity. It means recognizing the needs around our communities and inner circles and responding in ways that make a meaningful difference. This mindset of giving is something I have carried into adulthood and its effects have bled into all aspects of my personal and professional life.

I find further inspiration in Jesus, who was the perfect example of what it means to have the heart of a servant. One of the countless, powerful stories in the bible of Jesus’ humility was when He washed His disciples’ feet. He didn’t do it for praise or reward but simply to serve others in a profound demonstration of love. Jesus calls us to follow in His example – maybe not literally washing someone’s feet, but by adopting a humble heart and a willingness to serve those around us. True service flows in response to the love we have for God and the love He has for us.

Please know, we are not saved by our good deeds or acts of service (Ephesians 2:8-9). There is nothing in this life we can do that would earn us a place in Heaven. Salvation is a gift given through Christ’s sacrifice (Romans 6:23, John 3:16). However, our response to God’s incredible mercy and grace should be a true desire to serve and love others. When we experience the depth of God’s love, it changes our hearts, and service becomes a joyful outpouring of that love.

Starting my own business has been an exciting adventure, but at its core, my mission stays fixed on a service mentality and giving back. Business can be a powerful tool – and in the wise words of Uncle Ben, “With Great Power comes Great Responsibility”. Such a powerful tool should be used for good. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to use my business to glorify God and serve the community around me. Sure, running a business comes with its own laundry list of challenges, but it also is an avenue to make a positive impact – that’s what excites me the most!

I am currently working on ways to support local charities and communities in Colorado Springs. One of the organizations I am passionate about is Care and Share. This non-profit holds a special place in my heart as I can recall handfuls of memories when I’d volunteer there with my Girl Scout Troop. I remember spending entire days at the warehouse sorting through donations, packing boxes, and gathering as many canned goods as possible to help those in need. Even at a young age, I felt a deep sense of fulfillment, knowing that I was part of something bigger than myself.

I want to carry that sense of fulfillment into my business. Giving doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be through donating a portion of profits, offering time and resources, or simply showing kindness to those we interact with every day. In a world that often feels big and overwhelming, small acts of service and love make the biggest difference.

As I continue this journey, I am excited to see where it leads and how I can use my platform to support others. My hope is that through my business, I can reflet the love of God, serve my community, and inspire others to do the same.

 

 

Ephesians 2:8-10 

For it is by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. 

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

John 3:16-17

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. 

 

Thank you for reading!