First, I want to thank everyone for helping though my angst about the million dollar Twitter contest. Turns out I'm a nice guy after all and shouldn't worry so much. So I’m sleeping better at night, but still feeling a bit of a celebrity twat. Here’s why.
I was heavily involved in the Pentecostal Church when I was in junior high, taking everything they said to heart. I was the kid passing out Chick Tracts at school while everyone else was concerned with titties and masturbating without guilt every chance they could get. (What’s that even like?)
And though I'm now miles from what you would call a practicing evangelical, a lot of the teaching I received from that time in my life still sticks with me. After all, good advice is good advice. Doesn’t matter where it comes from. Nowadays I’ll take a spiritual lesson from wherever I get it: Jesus, Buddha or the guy who cuts me off on the 101.
This is from the New Testament, Matthew 6:1-4 (NIV) "Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
I’ve always used that as the general rule for my charity giving. It’s tough to do when you’re famous though. I get invited to a lot of things involving a charity auction of some kind where I have to announce to everyone how much I’m giving just to be able to give money and get the auction item. But I still think it’s better to just give the money and shut up about it whenever you can. Don’t take out an ad. Which is why I’ve been feeling the way I’ve been feeling.
But I’ve also been thinking a lot about the meaning of that passage lately, and maybe I got it wrong.
Jesus is talking about intent here as well as action, no? If the intent of your charitable contribution is to let everyone know what a big man you are, then verily I say unto you that the good karma stops there. But if you would just do all your giving in secret, well then... problem solved without even thinking about it. Theology students and bible scholars, feel free to chime in via the comments section.
My guess is I fall somewhere in the middle on this. My intent is totally pure, but I did it publicly AND asked for something in return (a million followers), so see you in hell. (Ha ha. Just kidding. The idea of a bunch of people suffering for all eternity in a big cavern of fire being poked in the butt with pitchforks by demons and whatnot was made up by Dante. It’s not really in the Bible. The concept of hell is, but not the pitchfork in the butt stuff.)
For next year, I’m cooking up a plan where we all can raise a lot of money, but let the charity itself benefit from having the followers. Thus, if charity x gets y number of followers on their twitter account during the year (increasing their reach and visibility), then I will donate $1 for each follower (plus extra pledges of money-per-follower from others). How’s that for an idea? Just kicking it around right now, but it sounds right. And it keeps what I think is the best part of this, which is all these thousands of people asking their friends to perform a quick, simple task (hitting the follow button) to raise money for charity. Please leave thoughts and ideas about this in the comments section.
But wait. Is putting this idea up on my blog just like announcing it “... with trumpets, as the hypocrites (and celebrity twats) do in the synagogues and on the streets..”? Am I going to end up in a cave of fire being poked in the butt with a pitchfork?
Aw, fuck it. I’m doing it anyway.
Posts
Drew, I think you have it exactly right. By doing it in public (I mean the charity stuff), you raise awareness for a cause that is near and dear to you. Certainly you will receive more followers on Twitter and that is always a nice ego stroke. However, your reasons for the 1 million followers, 1 million dollar pledge to Livestrong is strictly to help make the world a better and more healthy place for all of us. If your donation means that fewer children born today will have to face cancer in the future, then you certainly are earning a place in heaven. I don't foresee many pitchforks in your future...unless you move to a dairy farm.
ReplyDeleteWyman Brent
Vilnius Jewish Library
Hey Drew, GREAT post. For starters, I've grown up in a Pentecostal household. I have a Dad who's a Pastor, two brothers who graduated with Pastoral degrees (and were Pastors), and I myself studied to be a Pastor for over a year (I've now switched to Film studies and I'm down here in LA for the semester doing that).
ReplyDeleteNow on to my response. I think you're completely right in your understanding of what Jesus meant by intent. If people know what you're doing with Charity I don't think that is wrong. With many Charitable gifts, celebrities must often give up the right to remain anonymous and in some cases it's totally and completely necessary (ie announcing it on twitter for followers to in turn get more eyes on the charity, or making an appearance at a fundraiser). I think it's great what you're doing here, and I appreciate that you were concerned and open enough to address the issues you were having spiritually and as a celebrity.
Thank you.
Hey Drew,
ReplyDeleteGreat blog. I don't think you have to worry about it. As long as your motive is pure, I doubt anybody (including the big man himself) would mind you using your celebrity to shine a light on certain foundations for the good of your fellow man. It's pretty clear that you care more about the causes you support rather than making a name for yourself.
So keep up the good work! Also please get your book Dirty Jokes and Beer on the Kindle store :)
Thanks,
Charlie R
Great post. I never thought the Million Twitter followers was a bad idea at all. Like you said - it takes little time to click a follow button and if doing it helps others, so much the better. My daughter and I both enjoy your work so much that we joked that we would have your babies. (hahaha) You come across as a really good guy and despite your fame you are still that guy from Cleveland. (I'm from Akron) The fact that you WANT to put yourself out there to help other people puts you in a different category than those promoting for THEIR products or just themselves though self promotion is obviously necessary. Your new plan sounds like a great idea. I look forward to participating. Keep up the good work/works.
ReplyDeleteI think both are good ideas. Actually, for me it was nice to know that a celebrity was going to give a ton of money to a great charity just for following them. Don't feel like a jerk.
ReplyDeleteHey there,
ReplyDeleteIt's a great idea.
Sorry you got the brain toxins from being raised by people who meant well. If there is a God, it probably isn't the jerk it's described as. If it is, it can kiss my hairy ass.
Everyone I know who was raised in a fundamentalist environment is messed up. So sad.
People want to do the right thing, and they do it when it is easier than doing the wrong thing. Pretty simple. Make it easy for people to do the right thing.
In the end it won't be your act anyway. It will be the accumulated acts of millions of other people.
You simply have the luxury of prompting them to do what they already want to do anyway. So don't get too full of yourself. :-)
-- Sean
So right after the game something went "click" in your head and you made the first bid; after a bit of time to think about the bid you upped it. And altruistically (ie without actually thinking that you'd do this with malice or forethought) you then went for the whole smash and a million... sounds like someonegave you a nudge. If that's the case, why would they send you down instead of up?
ReplyDeleteThink about all the press and publicity the charity is getting for that action. Could they get that ongoing mindshare without you? Think of the people out there who will benefit from that money because you trusted a thought and rode it like lightning?
And hey, if you do get that pitchfork (which I seriously doubt), just "Blame Drew's Cancer!"
I think it depends on what the intention is for your 1,000,000 new followers. Whether you use your newly gained twitter power for a greater good or merely self-promotion will determine, in my mind at least, whether it's a selfless act or a self-serving one.
ReplyDeleteThe way I look at it though, it doesn't really matter. If clicking follow can help Livestrong get a million dollars, I'll not only click it, but RT it (which I did). It's an awfully generous contribution whether announced publicly or not. Also, something tells me the cancer patients benefiting from it don't give a shit about the giver's inner struggle with modesty. :)
Truthfully, who are any of us to judge, when it comes down to it?
I believe that we ALL have bad in us but in the end, we will be ok if our GOOD outweighed the bad. Or so I believe in order to keep living in my backsliding ways. Jajaja!
ReplyDeleteVaya con Dios Señor Drew!
As a big Wayne Dyer fan, I've been following this tale with some interest; Drew has a reputation in H'wood as one of the most generous individuals in the business. Cool. Also, the fact that Drew is involved in any kind of debate over charity v. self-promotion shows a high degree of self-awareness. Also cool and truly rare within the entertainment industry. But I think there's one point missing - aside from Drew, part of the discussion should be about the us, the public and the opportunity to motivate others...I personally have been telling everyone I know to follow Drew for the mere fact that the smallest amount of effort could lead to someone (Drew) doing something great for a cause we all support. Small efforts multiplied by millions is how the world changes, but, we live in a world where people are frozen; economically battered and emotionally brutalized. What I think is important is Drew is giving people the chance to participate, make a difference, shake off the lethargy and have a little hope that the odds aren't totally stacked against us. In summary, anyone complaining about Drew C.'s intention who hasn't joined Drew's twitter, if just to make him shell out some charity dough...should suck it. @3rdpoint.
ReplyDeleteI am not a theology student, or a Bible scholar, nor am I a celebrity, but I wanted to chime in with my opinion anyway. I did not perceive your actions in the same way that you did. I did not see this as a self-promoting event. I saw it as you, being a public figure, bringing a good amount of attention and financial support to a worthy cause.
ReplyDeleteCelebrities have a certain amount of responsibility, whether they want to admit it or not, to those who look up to them. And that in itself is the power of being an example. I very much appreciate when a celebrity stands passionately for a charitible cause. It's not just the money, but the increasing support of the cause. If I did the same thing, I wouldn't get the same results - though, that shouldn't stop me from trying - but it is great to see you understand your capabilities as a well respected celebrity. It is terrific to see you use your powers for good.
Keep up the good work.
Jen
There is nothing wrong with feeling good about the good work you do. There is everything wrong with feeling guilty about doing so spontaniously. You're doing good.
ReplyDeleteDrew, I was happy to click that "Follow" button when I saw your endeavor tweeted about. I don't have much money to give, so I appreciated being a part of something -- even if it's through a medium, as it were.
ReplyDeleteSomething I wanted to point out was to be careful with all the spamming bots that are signing up with Twitter accounts and following all sorts of folks! I like that you're paying for each follower, but I also think it would suck if you're paying for spammer-jerk bots.
I wonder if @ev or other Twitter folk could guide you somehow to weed out the legit accounts to be sure your money is being spent well? I'm sure the charities would appreciate it, but maybe not your pocket book?
Thanks for doing what you're doing. Good Stuff, that.
Cheers!
Drew,
ReplyDeleteI think the fact that this is bothering you so much and that it is weighing on your mind shows your earnest intentions. You are doing this for the right reasons!
I say relax! You're raising awareness with this. And besides, God hasn't fried anybody to a crisp since the Old Testament.
ReplyDeleteI think you shouldn't have to worry about it.
ReplyDeleteIt's pretty easy to tell the two types of people apart - you did something nice, because you can, not because you want the recognition (much like Hugh Jackman did).
And the thing is, people are influenced by celebrity; if someone they admire does something this nice, they want to be a part of it/emulate it - obviously, your average Joe public don't have the same resources as you, but they can feel like they are helping through you by clicking 'follow'.
You're helping two sets of people make a difference - there's nothing to feel guilty about!
I have the perfect solution, wear a mask! That way, no one will know your "secret identity".
ReplyDeleteWell as someone said above the mere fact you are upset about this shows your character. I too have distanced myself from religion and instead have become more spiritual. Finding my belief where it feels right. I think here you have a case of your mind screwing with your heart. Your intent is pure, you know that. The easiest way to know that is to see how you feel, not what your mind tells you, you should feel. What kind of God would punish you for using your fame for good. I choose to believe in a God who would never do that. In fact, I am sure that is exactly why you are famous. The one thing about religions is they need to be inclusive to stay alive, that is where I see them breaking from God's will. If a religion told you they were a way to get to heaven but not the only way, who would give them support?
ReplyDeleteJennifer
When good men do nothing, they get nothing good done. To be good, one must do good. (Lk. 6:35; Eph. 2:10).
ReplyDeleteI think your intentions are good, and it would be worse for you to do nothing at all rather than take advantage of your celebrity for charity. Keep up the good work.
You really can't buy good press, so the way you're using your celebrity to raise awareness is far more helpful than the cash alone would be. Think of the promotion you're doing (since you know it's for the cause, not yourself) as another part of your donation.
ReplyDeleteThe very fact that you took it to heart and reflected inwardly to ask the good questions says you're just fine. Know them by their fruit and all that. I think the bible passage has more to do with ego. I know many an unsavory character who enjoys letting EVERYONE know how they worked so hard at church and yet no one appreciates them. You efforts in this instance helped to get word out about a good cause. I think the Apostles would've made use of Twitter on occasion.
ReplyDeleteRe: Pentecostal upbringing - I'd actually like to connect with anyone that was brought up in an evangelical environment. Working on a project and would love input. vmatthews61@yahoo.com
I always thought of that teaching as a suggestion about how to be giving without being self-aggrandizing or becoming self-important. Certainly, anonymous giving is one way... but I know anonymous donors who use their anonymity as further proof that they are better than others.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, you could have the entire planet lauding you for your public actions without it resulting in an inflated sense of importance if your giving comes from a place of "just doing the right thing," or "I couldn't NOT do it." Their compliments would be water off a duck's back.
As you noted, it's almost impossible for you to do such anonymously. And at the end of the day, Book of Matthew notwithstanding, the important point is that money goes to a worthy endeavor. Wanting to keep one's charity secret, so that one reaps the benefit, is itself a form of selfish act (try to garner God's favor for yourself).
ReplyDeleteYou have $1 million to give away. I sure as shit don't. But by following the charity account, I can "contribute" to the worthy cause. And doing it this way allows other people who have $$$ they can contribute to do so. It doesn't matter if it's public or private. I guarantee you that the people who in the end will directly benefit from the money don't care.
You're doing God's work here, sir. Don't lose sight of that just because of some quote from the Bible. (Good choice, with the NIV, btw. By far my favorite version for the objective translation, excepting perhaps for the Lord's Prayer and Psalm 23.)
I'm sure you do much more for others than people find out about. You've always struck me as that kind of person.
ReplyDelete"If you are a preacher of mercy, do not preach an imaginary but the true mercy. If the mercy is true, you must therefore bear the true, not an imaginary sin. God does not save those who are only imaginary sinners. Be a sinner, and let your sins be strong, but let your trust in Christ be stronger, and rejoice in Christ who is the victor over sin, death, and the world. We will commit sins while we are here, for this life is not a place where justice resides. We, however, says Peter (2. Peter 3:13) are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth where justice will reign."
ReplyDelete-- Martin Luther, to Phillip Melanchthon, 1521.
You are recognizing that nothing we ever do is perfect. Our sin is not bigger than the cross. You are doing good things for your "neighbor." Keep up the good work.
Follow a charity and the charity can get their message out and RT'd no doubt. I started following Lance Armstrong, then Livestrong. Following you also allows us to contribute in a very small way to your big effort.
ReplyDeleteYou're donating to charity. It's a good thing!
ReplyDeleteI completely understand where you're coming from. I grew up in the Southern Baptist church! You have it right when you say that intent is so important. Elsewhere in the Bible, God says that man looks on the outside, but God looks on the heart. If your heart is in the right place, then it's all good.
ReplyDeleteAs a member of a non-profit organization that is working on having a national presence, this idea intrigues me for fundraising. How will you decide which organizations you do this for? Smile.
Sharone Belt
National Equality March
As someone who has studied (and attempted to follow) Jesus intently for years, I would agree with you that it is so much more about intentions than actions with him. That's why he says that just looking lustily at a woman is the same as adultery - he was about getting people to change their hearts, not just the outward appearances. He could have cared less when someone made a big deal out of their charity; he drew attention to the widow who gave her last penny at the Temple.
ReplyDeleteYou've been placed in a unique situation and blessed tremendously. So you have more responsibility than the rest of us to do some good. And you are doing it. But I'm so glad to see that you're also questioning your intentions, and examining where your heart is in all this. You're only human. You're going to like how it feels to do good; we all do. You also probably like how it feels to be rich and famous (some days). I think, though, that we're kind of wired to feel good about helping others; it is part of what makes us thrive as human beings. This isn't just Jesus; it's Aristotle and Plato too - living the beautiful life means being not only a great artist but also an ethical and generous person. Strive to make your life a beautiful work of art. If something in your artwork starts to feel tacky, then reconsider whether you want to continue it.
Just remember, if you're serious about this Jesus stuff, then in the end the only thing that will matter is your heart, your intention, and not the material wealth that you either accumulate or give away. The lives that you touch matter more than the way that you touch them.
I guess I'm just trying to affirm your actions but also tell you that I affirm more that you're trying to keep your intentions pure. Whether you wind up with a pitchfork in the butt is between you & God, and God's the only one you need to answer to about why you're doing your charity work. So you may tell the rest of us - and certainly anyone who questions or demands to know your motives - to blow off.
Stasi
Now if you can encourage even a small percentage of those newly acquired followers to match and raise your $1 donation to LIVESTRONG...
ReplyDeleteI think it's hilarious that someone was offended that you wanted to donate one million dollars to help fight cancer. That takes some pretty big balls to be offended by.
ReplyDeleteOf course, no matter how you look at it, it's self promotion. If not here and now, then in the afterlife. I suppose the only way to truly give is to anonymously donate to charity and be an atheist. I wonder how big the pool of billionaire-atheist-philanthropists is?
A few years ago o a celebrity had the opportunity to make a nightly appeal for an AIDS charity close to my heart. My job as a volunteer was to stand at the back of the house with a bucket and receive the audience donations. All this person had to do was ask and the exiting audiences threw money at me - by the handfuls. Thousands of of dollars a night were raised because this person said, "Please give."
ReplyDeleteBut then the person stopped. I was told they felt guilty because people were already spending so much on the tickets to see the show. They had admitted this in their appeal, but because they didn't see the audience as they left, they didn't know that this had zero influence on how much the audience gave. I collected at other shows - shows with less famous people making the appeal and people were not nearly as generous. I wrote a letter and told the celebrity what I had witnessed - I pleaded with them to continue the nightly speech, to simply ask. I told them how audience members thanked me for collecting the money after their speech, how they fought to get to me as they left the theatre. To no avail. Who knows if they even read the letter. But I was saddened by the lost opportunity -the opportunity to raise awareness and funds for a very worthy cause.
You are using your celebrity to raise awareness. To allow people who can't give to help you give. You are doing the right thing. You are taking advantage of a tremendous opportunity that most of us will never have.
I recently switched jobs from one in the entertainment industry to one at a charity, advising others how to achieve personal goals and raise money to fight blood cancers. I realized that the charity work I did in the industry was becoming more fulfilling than the actual jobs. Now I spend most of my time convincing people that they can raise a few thousand dollars, that they have the ability to reach their goals and help save lives. (See how I made that about me now?)
Celebrity has afforded you the opportunity to reach people in a way that most of us will never be able to. And I'm pretty sure you'll give the million even if you don't get a million followers. You don't have to tell anyone if you do :)
Hell yes!
ReplyDelete-Michael
Just wondering...why wouldn't the name be &rew instead of @drew?
ReplyDelete:)
Hey Drew, you a helluva of a guy!. I knew that when we worked a week together at Who's On First? In Elmhurst, Il. I was a opener and you were middling.
ReplyDeleteOne of the best weeks in my life.
Thanks,
Kevin Lampe
Kevin@kurthlampe.com
I think what you are doing is great. Positive change is all about harnessing all available forces for good, to the best of our intentions. Here's something that could be very helpful if it were made and given away... http://giveget.info
ReplyDeleteWhen I heard that you were going to give $1Million to support Live Strong, I thought- "what a great way to raise awareness for people with cancer". I didn't think, "Who is that glory-hungry putz?"
ReplyDeleteSt. Luke said, "To whom much is given, much is expected."
So thanks for giving to Live Strong. Your money is going to help a lot of people.
Hey bro,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Anthony La Rocca from Toronto, Canada. Just saying your timing of charity is VERY needed and I know as the days and weeks go by you will definitely get the worldwide support to fullfill 1,000,000 followers np! I mean come on...Ashton Kutcher couldn't even host Super Market Sweep...so you got this!
Later man LOL!
Drew:
ReplyDeleteOr maybe Mr. Carey since we don't know each other....
Either way, I woke up early this morning and was poking around online. I read about your Twitter charity thing and thought it was a great idea! I immediantly went into my twitter page and followed you, then went and posted it on my facebook page as well. Then...since I was still up and enjoying a bowl of cocoa puff before the baby woke up...I headed over to the Yoville forums and posted the information there as well. If you've never heard of Yoville..well it's a crazy facebook game with thousands of players. I hope that you make your goal!
Cheers and have a wonderful day.
I highly doubt that acts of vanity are punishable from on high with an eternity of getting poked in the butt with pitchforks. (Unless that's your thing? ;))
ReplyDeleteI'm something of a religious scholar myself and there's so much good that can be done by charitable acts from celebrities that it would be hard to condemn any effort. Self serving or otherwise. (And I believe you had the best of intentions when you committed to this path)
Follow your conscience in life, help people where you can and I'm certain the balance sheet will come out in your favor! :)
Don't worry so much.
ReplyDeleteYou're new idea is a good one, but don't discount how much public attention is being drawn to both @drew's fight, the Livestrong Foundation, and the need to continue to fight cancer in general.
Your names are invariably being mentioned in the same breath. That's good publicity, it keeps the message out there and there is nothing to stop you from using your followers as a vehicle, such as your new idea, to take on other causes. Inadvertently or not, you are putting yourself in a position to do a lot of good.
Drew -- But if you hadn't brought attention to this cause, they wouldn't benefit. You did the right thing with this, though I do love your idea for next year. You do cook up good plans, don't you? Good luck with your million followers. I found out about it from the CNN article.
ReplyDeleteThe book of Luke (I believe) talks about "gaining friends through unrighteous riches", the idea being that it is good for us to use our material gains to glorify god and help those in need.
ReplyDeleteUsing your fame to benefit a worthy cause seems to fit nicely under that umbrella. :)
Drew,
ReplyDeleteAs a longtime fan, I just felt bad that I couldn't follow you because I was already there to help out. I think anything anyone does to make money for a charity out of the goodness of their heart is a good thing, no matter how you get there.
This weekend is the Extra Life gaming marathon to raise money for cancer treatment and research at Texas Children's Hospital. My 17 year old son and his friends heard about it, and set up a team and are collecting sponsors for their 24-game-a-thon in my basement this weekend. It was totally their idea, and they are so gung-ho about doing it, it's nice to see that in teenagers.
Here's the link if anyone wants to help: waystogive.texaschildrens.org/netcommunity/pheonixdown
Drew: I appreciate your candor about your religious upbringing and how it still impacts you. I note that you cited to NIV (loved by conservatives), but there are several translations out there, each with a different take. For example, the Good News Translation (which I grew up with) says it this way:
ReplyDelete6:1
"Make certain you do not perform your religious duties in public so that people will see what you do. If you do these things publicly, you will not have any reward from your Father in heaven.
6:2
"So when you give something to a needy person, do not make a big show of it, as the hypocrites do in the houses of worship and on the streets. They do it so that people will praise them. I assure you, they have already been paid in full.
6:3
But when you help a needy person, do it in such a way that even your closest friend will not know about it.
6:4
Then it will be a private matter. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you.
***
Here, you are not engaging in any religious duty, and you are not putting an outward "Christian" moniker on what you are doing. You are not helping someone "needy." You are helping a cause much bigger than you, and that help really matters. You are simply doing a great thing, inspired by someone else's challenge and desire to raise money for a good cause. You are really promoting his cause, not your own (Okay, yes there is a connection to @Drew, but it was the other Drew's idea to make his Twitter name available).
Sure, you could have just bid $1 Million and be done with it, but how much would you have promoted the cause in that process? Everybody who takes you up on this has to take a moment to think about the cause, and that does a lot more good than a secret contribution ever would.
So, the passage is interesting, and contains some wisdom, but I don't see it as fitting this circumstance. Don't let a Bible passage -- subject to much interpretation and debate, anyway -- stand in the way of your using your celebrity for good. Yes, I'm praising you, but since you did not set out to be glorified, no harm done.
There r so many terrific comments here, so I will try not to repeat those. As a licensed social worker, what I see you doing is empowering others via their strengths (i.e. Using Twitter) to raise awareness - look, you even got me back on Twitter -- the past computer guy who doesn't even use technology much anymore. Additionally, you've expanded @Drew's original plan to give what he could, and taken it to a whole other level of love and charity! U r a giver, drew, and in my eyes have always been. U have given the world so much of yourself for our entertainment, and now u r even taking that to another level. Your dialogue here is healthy for u and for the general population, and to participate in such a positive dialogue on such a grand and global scale is so refreshing - and decent. Few high profile personalities can do so in such a humble fashion as u - and perhaps there, too, u r once again empowering/encouraging others. It's all good, drew, it's all love. I often have brief bouts with my own upbringing of Catholic guilt via recollection of Bible passages or the like, but have come to realize and comfort in the fact that my journey with my God is our personal journey alone (s/he's my buddy...my close friend, and always there, not to judge but for support and love in the good and hard times.). I also believe any of our personal suffering brings us closer to God (not a pitchfork) - you've done plenty of that -- so why not cut yourself some slack? I believe ANY higher being would! You have an awesome platform to be a positive advocate and you are using it responsibly. U rock, man! U rock like 'Beatles Rock Band!' :-)
ReplyDeleteJoe Patane, LSW, mba
http://joesworld.org
Drew, you're right on, boss. Screw what I or anyone else thinks. We don't know your motives (though I'd bet $1 million that you're sincere). You are bringing awareness to a cause and you're bringing awareness to giving. Yeah, we know about cancer but I don't always think about donating to research. You've waken me up again to it.
ReplyDeleteYou're up to good things. Please keep it up.
-Josh
Oral Roberts University grad
(how's that for Penetecostal upbringing? :)
Seize the Day! Drew, I love your story about feeling great after the soccer game, seeing the auction and then, seizing the moment! Your energy, enthusiasm and generosity are contagious and in the end, will benefit so many people with cancer! I know I’m already excited – having lost my husband ten years ago (at the way too young age of 30), changing careers to start a small charity Crossing the Finish Line (www.crossingthefinishline.org – providing respite travel to families facing the traumas of cancer), and plugging away today to grow and bring our mission to more families throughout the country…Carpe Diem is the best motto here on earth to help a neighbor, friend, child and stranger! Keep inspiring us all! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteMarci Bossow Schankweiler
marci@crossingthefinishline.org
www.crossingthefinishline.org
Bottom line, it is for a good cause, and if a million people know you are doing good, it is better than doing evil to even one person.
ReplyDeleteDrew, you are a selfless person. Don't drive yourself nuts trying to get it right in the minds of those teachers. Give because you want to.
ReplyDeleteBelieve me, it is a blessing to those receiving it. The people like my Mom who does not need thousand of dollars, just a wheelchair and a mattress, these are the people that can not find a kid person to help.
There is nowhere to go for that. I put my ego on the line asking for help everyday. No one hears me. I onyl ask people who I know it would not harm, like corporations or people with more means then they really need.
I do not ask for fund for her meds or for food for her plate. I just ask for her comfort of a good mattress and a wheelchair so she can continue to be part of the world as she knew it before her Alzheimer's took over.
Here I am ranting. What I wanted to say was - Good for you sweetheart. Keep it up.
All my respect,
Patty
Tell you what, Drew... I'll follow you AND pledge $10 for my follower-ship and you can match my $10, on top of the $1 for me following you. If we can get every one of your followers to pledge $10 ($11 total) and you get a million followers... well, hey, you do the math. I've fought and beat cancer 4x now, and I give a lot of credit to people like the LiveStrong folks and Drew Olanoff and everyone that made me laugh and gave me hope and put up with my moaning and I want to give something back so that the next person that has to walk in those shoes knows they're not alone.
ReplyDeleteI think it's a great idea! You achieve two goals in one - raising both visibility AND funds for the cause.
ReplyDeleteForget about the public thing - it's the intention of your heart. And the man upstairs will know what that is despite what anyone says or thinks.
I don't think you're deepest and strongest motive is to win the praise of men. (I think only you can know if your own motives! If it's out of a love for God which can't help but overflow to the people he loves (everyone) then I think you're on the right track!) I also don't think Twitter is the ultimate measure of 'praise of men'... it's just a bit of fun :)
ReplyDeleteKeep trusting Jesus' words. Peace out
Hi Drew....
ReplyDeleteMy little neice Rosie died of Brain cancer August 4 at four years old. To honor her memory, her little sister and I have started a grass root effort to encourage people to donate kids character bandages to hospitals in their communities.
If you have a moment, please check out Bandagesforrosie.com.
I grew up Pentecostal as well. Now that I'm an adult.. bottom line is God is Love. Whatever form that takes is fine by me.
All best wishes to you and your efforts to raise money for the fight against cancer.
I found this comforting, and that makes me feel sort of terrible again because I'm taking some kind of pleasure in your internal struggle.
ReplyDeleteIt's comforting to me because you summed up very nicely exactly some of what goes on in my brain routinely as a result of my upbringing. Now - if you can figure out how to turn it off, I will be even happier.
You're a sweetheart. Genuinely. What you're doing is purely good - from one f'd up human to another - it's good. (Thank you.)
What a great blog post Drew. So... earlier today I wrote you a sort-of tongue in cheek tweet from @ncollard saying that it would be great if you could donate the $1 payout for following you to my blog. I swear I hadn't read this blog post yet.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, what a great idea! Also, I agree with what you write. In today's world, the interpretation of the Bible's words on not letting one hand know what the other is doing is limiting and does not apply, unless you are solely publicizing your actions for recognition.
What Would Jesus Twitter?
Dear Mr. Carey, please note that I am a children's minster, so my answers do come from knowledge of scripture. The verse you quoted...Matthew 6, was Jesus' response to those "religous" pharisees who were all about themselves, even in their "charitble giving". Who would go to the temple and make a loud noise of how much they had given, even when it was not even the minimum 10% that was required. It is not wrong to set the example for others to give and give generously, after all as followers of Christ that is what we are called to do, and it is not wrong to give an others know about it. It is wrong to give and constanly shine the spotlight on yourself for what you have done, and give the glory to God and the place you are giving. Giving should come from the heart, not guilt or some alterior motive. Just remember to listen to God as you give...make sure he gets his 10% first, and then listen to Him on how to live with the rest. I hope that this helps. Thanks for your words.
ReplyDeleteThis may have already been said, but following you on twitter and having the dollar contribution in my name made me feel good, too. Hope that's a positive (un)intended consequence.
ReplyDeleteI think your intent is the main issue. You're not doing it to show off in order to impress the Hollywood twats. And it doesn't matter if anyone else THINKS you are doing it for that reason. It's all boils down to what's in your own heart and not what other people think, because there will ALWAYS be people questioning your intent because they're judgmental and vicious. It's just too bad the "industry" isn't kindhearted like you. You give me hope that it's not all vicious and hypocritical and I may not have to sell my soul to it after all :)
ReplyDeleteI just finished reading your most recent blog posts and I am compelled to offer my opinion. My upbringing wasn't exactly like yours but there are similarities with believing what I was told, travelling a different road the most other kids, religious and cultural influences, etc. Through the years I have had to learn to forgive myself for making mistakes and give myself permission to take bold steps at times.
ReplyDeleteNow in my mid-thirties, and after years of observing, reading, studying, questioning, I am making some decisions to let go of some of the anxiety I feel over it all. Giving back, helping others and asking for help are good things. This is all you have done. You were inspired and raised the ante - that is ok too! A deep breath and clever ideas will help you to succeed with this goal, and it's a wonderful goal. I think that you should keep the end result in your heart, continue to ask for help from peers on Twitter and remain steadfast in keeping the cause as the focus and not yourself. It will all work out and you will then be able to each more people with your thoughtful questions and humble ways.
I don't know you but believe that you have a wonderful awareness of your words and actions that many people take years to develop, if ever. Give yourself permission to continue on your path and just make sure your goals and deeds come from your heart. It seems that is the place God whispers to us.
Peace Drew Carey.
P.S. - see @EdwardNorton for how he is using Twitter to raise charitable contributions. Maybe a modified version would work for helping you to gain Twitter followers :o)
Ditto @pm61;
ReplyDeleteIronically you could have spent the million on drugs and people wouldn't have known, thus criticized you. Hey! Then you wouldn't have been so hard on yourself (until the drugs ran out). I'm sure it's hard as a celeb, captain, but "what people think of you is none of your business" (Wayne Dyer). PS You crack me up, but that shouldn't make you feel good. -Nalts
ReplyDeleteShoot. I was looking forward to a cavern of fire and a pitchfork in the butt. I figured there would also be an eternal pitcher of martinis and my sister, so we could pick up where we left off in real life, drinking and saying mean things about our parents and siblings. Which is why we'll be in hell in the first place. Even though it's all true.
ReplyDeleteAt any rate, you did a good thing. Case closed. Even if you had taken out ads in every paper in the country to tell everyone how wonderful you were, ultimately the money was going to a good cause.
Sleep well and stop being so hard on yourself. I'm sure you have siblings who can do that for you.
Drew - You give thought to your actions, your motivations, and your assumptions here. The tension created when you do that is really good. Learning only happens in the uncomfortable places. And I think that to teach your daughter about love, it is way better for her to learn it from someone that has deeply considered what it means and what it looks like.
ReplyDeleteI'm enjoying the blog, I hope you keep it up.
As if I wasn't messed up enough, your blog now has me second guessing my intentions on a "great cause" project! My brother was recently signed to one of the top promotion companies in Nashville and they are promoting his new CD which contains a bonus track. All the proceeds that he makes from that track will be used for a good cause for our Veterans. Being a Navy Veteran I took up the call to help with this. But now I am questioning my intentions. Of course I want him to succeed in the "shark pool" that I call the music industry but I also want to help our Veterans. Like any good sister, I want him to have his dream also but also want something out of it for our cause. I am sick and tired of seeing news press about Vets who are homeless and without proper medical care. These men and women should have everything at their disposal that they need. They should never want for anything, in my eyes, as they were willing to give the ultimate gift. I will probably keep on just like I am but your blog made me think about it that is for sure. Second note, I mostly follow your photography. Lived in Germany for many years and became a "football" fan! You do great work!!!
ReplyDeleteHey Drew,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for being willing to open up your thoughts and life online. That takes guts, and I want you to know how much this girl who lives in Chicago that you’ll never know or meet appreciates it.
Also, I think that what you’re doing for Andy is commendable and honorable. As a Moody Bible Institute grad and a Christian, I really believe that the Lord puts people in other people’s paths with the specific purpose of caring for them, as you’re doing with Andy. Rock on, Drew.
What you’re saying about the Matthew 6 passage is dead on. Right after the first four verses in Matthew 6, Jesus continues the same line of thought in relation to prayer and fasting. Of fasting, he says in v. 17 “But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face [rather than make their fasting obvious] so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.”
Later on in Matthew 23:28, Jesus says to the Pharisees: “So you, too, outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.”
The moral of the story, so to say, is that Jesus wanted them to be pure of heart, rather than outwardly righteous. Jesus went so far as to call them “serpents” and a “brood of vipers” (Matt. 23:33) because they (of many offenses) “devoured widows’ houses” (Matt. 23:14) to dishonestly gain wealth at the expense of widows. Widows, orphans, the poor, and the oppressed have always been high on God’s priority list and heavy on his heart, throughout the Old and New Testament.
From what I can see, you’ve been given the resources to be able to help in a big and wonderful way. Only the Lord knows in the end, but it looks to me as if you’re helping because you know you can make a difference—not because you think that people will think highly of you or because you’ll get something out of it.
Your future wife and her (very adorable) 4 year old are in my prayers. I pray that the Lord blesses you in your marriage.
Love,
Mackenzie
There's this cool company just North of Seattle called Logos Bible Software. Anyway they have this thing called ref tagger. And it is free. That way anytime you type a bible reference on your blog - a reader can hover over it and the entire verse(s) will appear. Thought you might like it - and it's free.
ReplyDeleteGreat read/usage of Matthew. I put this up for my first "Mildly Relevant Links" on my site.
ReplyDeleteI hope I can someday be in a position to help out others and will keep this in mind.
Perhaps you can have a charity drive to help out good ole Cleveland sometime!
Cheers!
Joe B
http://mildlyrelevantthoughts.com
Do whatever you like, Drew. You are doing a good thing, including using celebrity/reputation to your advantage to help others...just like many in the church do.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't worry about it Drew. million is close.
ReplyDeleteA good friend tells me that you have an art piece that has the price is right in pop art design in your living room? is that true. post up the pics my good man. logan real blog is where i read it and probably not true.
ltr todd
Hi Drew just wanted to congratulate you and the the rest of the people involved in the Supporters Summit. I watched live online and being a die hard LA Galaxy supporter since the very first match at the Rose Bowl in 96', I have seen this league in all it's phases and it's great to see how much it's grown. Seattle did a great job in opening the eyes and setting the standards for future expansion teams and attendance ailing MLS Clubs.
ReplyDeleteI also wanted to see if you would be interested in purchasing a few domain names I am selling in order to pay my college tuition and my 2010 LA Galaxy season ticket: ( soccersupporters.us , soccersupporters.info , handsfreefootball.com , handsfreefootball.net )
Thanks man and good luck with the Sounders in 2011 (except when you play LA) Ha!
Abraham Carranza
modernsimian@gmail.com
Done.
ReplyDeleteAlso posted about it on my blog so that should get you a whopping 2-3 followers (j/k)
Also for anyone interested Tom Wilson of Ziggy cartoon fame is also raising money for LiveStrong by donating proceeds from his autobiography for the next 2 months. His wife passed away after a long battle with cancer and the book describes how he managed through it.
You can see more here:
http://beartoons.com/2009/11/23/ziggy-million-dollar-challenge-for-livestrong/
Bearman
Twitter: @bearmancartoons
Drew,
ReplyDeleteEven if you didn't donate if you just listed the charities some people might donate on their own.
You have what us little people don't the power to be a spokesperson maybe there is a market for a new product for the famous: anono-nate a proxy service keeping anoninimity and allowing one to donate
What's more disturbing to me is the amount of advertising wasted by the charitys that could have really been spent on the cause. and the businesses that capitalize on charity and cap their donations or make it look like they are donating when in reality they are taking advantage of the packaging.
But please don't let all of the negative aspects discourage you.
Good reflection here and it's evidence of your real intent. You can't hide from the public as there are folks out there who spend their days cataloging a celebrity's every move. For that reason, you can't hide your light under a bushel. Let it shine, and keep it shining on God who has given you the idea, the means, and the good heart to persist even when it means you have to deflect the credit. It's a problem more unique to celebs but each of us does good deeds throughout our lives and we want to set good examples without receiving undo credit. My kindergarten class and I followed up on someone else's idea to collect socks for homeless people and we instituted a collection in our school. I want my students to get some credit here for their own efforts, to reinforce the idea of being a help in a big world. My Mom wants to know how to get me recognition. Well that's a Mom for ya but not something I want to happen. I didn't teach about helping others so I could get a pat on the back. You can't hide your charitable acts but more IS expected of you because you have received so much.
ReplyDeleteDear Drew,
ReplyDeleteCheck out this site...
A Course In Miracles and so much more.
Hope you enjoy.
Great videos and audios.
http://www.themasterteacher.tv/
Michael
I am a Libertarian who is considering running for State Representative in a pretty hotly contested district in Iowa. I am curious if you would support a Libertarian for Iowa House of Representatives and if you would ever consider donating to a Libertarian campaign or even stumping for a candidate?
ReplyDeleteDrew-it is Jennifer Hill from Dec. 1st Price is Right Taping. I wanted to thank you again for doing those shout outs for Tyler. He is so excited! I also wanted to share with you the YouTube video where he shaves my head in case you want to share it with Rich and the gang. I figured it would be nice for you to know who Tyler is.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ly5QkI4idGM
Also, if you are ever up for meeting Tyler, that would be amazing. I know Jack Wagner is involved with LLS and was going to try and introduce you two anyhow.
Thanks again!
Jen Hill, Pink Slip Mixers
I believe the scripture is talking about being prideful. Do not give and then go out and brag about it. Give out of love, God will be pleased.
ReplyDeleteI am curious as to why you are no longer with the pentecostal church(or however you would put it.. hehe)?
Drew -- just read your blog... a bit late, but what the hey. I do think you're onto something about the intent when it comes to giving. I'm one of those followers of Jesus -- and yes, I do believe in the Bible -- all of it. I live by my faith and if my intent of doing anything is just to be noticed then I need to sit down and shut up.
ReplyDeleteThis goes for blogging, writing, speaking, teaching, leading, and giving. The God I serve is more interested in my heart than my money.
I love that you are having this discussion in a public forum and thank you for giving. It matters.
Drew, what you doing for @drew and Livestrong is awesome. Keep doing it "more and more" - see you in hell bro...
ReplyDelete` @canayjun
Drew From TV:
ReplyDeleteMy name is Meaghan and I am the founder of a nonprofit, Spirit Jump. Our mission is to lift the spirits of men, women and children battling cancer by sending cards and small gifts. We are also working on programs including, rides to chemo therapy, grocery delivery and house cleaning.
What you are doing for Livestrong is amazing. I am also a terminal cancer survivor. Diagnosed at age 28 and given only a 20% chance of surviving I felt alone, scared and defeated. Charities like Livestrong and Spirit Jump are important because they reach out and help those who are in great need.
By asking people to do something, like follow you & Livestrong, rather than simply donating the money is fantastic. You are creating conversation and getting peoples attention. By doing this you are raising awareness, something that is as important as donating money.
I have had the privilege of meeting @Drew when we spoke together at Blogworld and he is a fantastic man who has had the misfortune of facing cancer. Thank you for helping him raise both money and awareness for a cause he feels so passionate about.
Bravo Drew!
Meaghan Edelstein
@spiritjump
Drew,
ReplyDeleteFrom one soccer lover to another, I need your help! I am trying to get my husband to the World Cup! If anyone can help, I know its you!!! Thanks! Carrie
www.davelovessoccer.blogspot.com
Dear Drew.
ReplyDeleteI'm just watching your interview on "Shatner's Raw Nerve," and I wanted to say thank you.
I was amazd at the similarities between us...especially early on in life. Where you were, at say, 29, I was (and I guess, in some ways still am)at age 48.
I sang (and I still sing) and was successful at making people laugh...but never had any direction. I'm just back in school...and..who knows...I'm on a path now.
It was good to see that you overcae low self-worth as well. I think that I (and others with low self-esteem) think that people like you ar born successful and always positive. So thanks for being a loser!
You've given me, and I'm sure others as well, the feeling that we can "make it" too.
God Bless,
Mark Lentine
mark_lentine@yahoo.com
Drew- great idea, this sets up the non-profit for long term success with both your donation and the followers who can now keep up with the difference the non-profit is making. When you are ready for suggestions on who to support let us know as I have a friend who could use the help. http://www.wooinc.colordiamondcommunity.net/
ReplyDeleteThanks for being so supportive to the non-profit world, it really makes a difference when someone like you makes so much noise about helping others!
Eric
Agreed. I saw you on Shatner as well. Cool stuff. I am a guy who was raised in the Catholic church and have been reading much of the same books that you have. If you like the books you mention on Shatner, you should read books by Dr. Brian Weiss. I am on my second book by him and about to finish. Great "new age" stuff.
ReplyDeleteHi Drew - love your work, your shows, your spirit and you're do damn funny! I lecture on A Course in Miracles - just wrote a book and it has a lot of Course quotes in it - thought you might enjoy it:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.amazon.com/dp/1450206034?tag=jacobglasscom-20&camp=213381&creative=390973&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=1450206034&adid=0B4FFQZN74HD2QKTYSM6&
Drew,
ReplyDeleteI'm a Sounders FC season ticket holder and I've renewed again this year. I thought you did a great job moderating at the Supporters Summit last November in Seattle. You didn't let the Don get away with his usual rhetoric.
I'm writing this comment to ask you why you still haven't said anything about the looming work stoppage. Each day that goes by I get more worried about my investment in season tickets being wasted. As the chairman of the Alliance, I have to ask why you haven't done (or said) anything. We need a cool head to step in right now. I'm starting to think that the wrong people have their fingers on the trigger at the moment and it scares me.
Personally, I think the league and the player’s union are both acting a bit childish. And, to be clear, I'm not siding with either of them. I'm on the side of the fans (for obvious reasons). If there actually is a work stoppage, it'll be the fans and the sport in this country that will lose out.
Consider this a cry for help Drew. As an owner and the chairman of the Alliance, I guess I expect more from you than silence. Don't let a few irrational souls ruin this great thing we have going in the league and in Seattle.
Thanks,
Scott (I'm "K61" in a number of blog discussions)
Here are some articles that portray this situation in an appropriate light (rather than the tabloid'ish crap you find in many blogs these days):
http://www.bigapplesoccer.com/columns/mytwocents.php?article_id=22680
http://soccerlaw.wordpress.com/2010/02/21/mls-and-union-cannot-risk-mutually-assured-destruction/
Hey Drew! I need some SOCCER help!!
ReplyDeleteI know this isn't the venue to ask this, but I'm taking a huge gamble here in hopes that you actually might get this and that you would be willing to help my friend in some way.
I promise to keep it short.
I have a former club player who is extremely talented and who has an incredible work ethic. He played for a former USL-1 team(this team was located in your favorite city)that does not exist any longer. He started the last 6 games. (He was injured part of the season or would have started more.) He's a big forward who can hold and distribute as good as any other pro forward can. The reason I'm trying to get a hold of you is that he got rushed into a contract over a month ago by an agent that conned him into going to Asia with promises of a big contract and a place to play this year since. With all the issues with the soccer here in the US, particularly with the USL-1 division, he thought it might be a good move. Needless to say, he hasn't gotten a single tryout over there. He's now back in the states and is looking hard for a team here, doesn't matter what Division (MLS,USL-1 or 2) or the money. He literally just wants to play. He has dedicated his whole life to the game and it shows. He would be a HUGE asset to any team, and that is no exaggeration. If you can help in anyway he, and I, would truly appreciate it. He's not looking for anything other than some "real" contacts at this point, and an opportunity to showcase his awesome abilities. He's has great references from his former USL-1 CCS coach and others.
Thanks again for your time...and again I'm sorry to write here...just didn't know how else to get a word out to you.
Mr. Carey,
ReplyDeleteHaving just cut you off on the 101 (nice try, with the emphatic and oh so meaningful steering wheel slap... HA!)
Intentions are meaningless, when it comes to good work. If people are better off for having engaged your hook, and you gave good money to a good cause, then your self-aggrandizement is immaterial.
All things must be viewed from the end of the day. We cannot always see the whole of things when we are still wrapped up in the moment.
Your fee for reading this is to:
A. Aquaint yourself to the Cure for the Run, a 0.05k charity event in Orlando. http://www.curefortherun.com
B. Steel yourself to be in Orlando in August, on the 21st, and participate in the Cure for the Run
C. Get a picture with me, so people can see we look nothing alike and stop besmirching your image.
All my best!
Geoff
Hey Drew congrats on the show first of all big fan of yours im a rising comedian myself and id like to ask is there any place you would recommend im in upstate new york i love im prov thanks Mike
ReplyDeleteAmen dude. I've been having God-issues myself lately, and I do get quite irritated by those who advertise their goodness(I also get annoyed by the preacher hair, but that's neither here nor there...;)
ReplyDeleteDrew, from what I remember about you, you are a kinda weird, rich as hell celebrity, who is very very generous, and a genuinely nice person. You have the power and the money to help people in need and raise awareness about things that help humanity. I always tell people about how you would have gifts for the crew on your show. The sirius radio with all of the extra accessories was my favorite! And the concerts were a pretty fun too. I'm still waiting to work on a show that compares to yours. Glad to see that you are well... Later Boss,
ReplyDeleteRob
Just a "Semper Fi and an oohrah" from Marineguyny on twitter. Proud of you Brother.....
ReplyDeleteDude,
ReplyDeleteFirst I just need to tell you that my family always watches who's line after watching something intense like 24 or 21 jump street. We love Ryan and Colin and Wayne and special guest.
Anyway, good for you for finding creative ways to give. One million followers on twitter is a good goal all by itself. And you know that your intentions are good because you are continually giving back. Hell, I'm an unsigned artist. I have some great songs for Justin Bieber or Greyson Chance and twitter just suspended my account because too many fans are twittering about the songs. Shameless web plug www.myspace.com/paulsteenhoek. So I've been on twitter for four days total and I have about 300 followers and have had 4000 hits on my site. I am plucking fans from Justin Bieber and Greyson Chance, but the fans like the songs and agree that one of these kids should sing it.
So if my song Big Star could help Greyson Chance become a big star, should I feel guilty about following 13 year olds in Manila?
I don't care what they think. I put my music career on hold for many years so I could do the right thing...raise a family, have a career, and not be obsessed by music. But I am a talented songwriter so dammit it is time to give back by doing what I love.
No, my songs are frickin old from back when I would have been a 20 something pretending to be a teen sensation. But these Bieber fans don't know that. They just need an updated beat.
SO I want to be a giver like you. Keep giving and to hell with all the judgemental whack jobs.
Drew,
ReplyDeleteI agree completely with your view of charitable giving. I have been developing a plan for America and Mexico and our current economic and social problems facing all of us. I am very anxious to get my ideas out to the world as most people are. The main focus of my campaign will be to convince pround patriots with strong values and hopefully some amount of public influence to follow along and give not for the praise, but for the people which you help. Ones who give for selfish reasons will soon be by themselves. My solution will solve a vast majority of our current woes while building strong communities of safe happy citizens. All interested parties feel free to view my blogspot and examine and utilize my ideas, they are free to the world. More will surely be on they way.
I think both are good ideas. Actually, for me it was nice to know that a celebrity was going to give a ton of money to a great charity just for following them. Don't feel like a jerk.
ReplyDeletedottv
Good people tend to torment themselves far more intensely and frequently than others, even for deeds that basically are good already. Just don't let the self-criticism proliferate too much and devour your commitment to change things for the better. Regarding your experiences with the Pentecostal Church, have you ever read Per Olov Enquist's "Lewi's Journey"? A great novel about the establishment of the pentecostal movement in Sweden, and a gorgeous poetical and critically sharp analysis of the forces, tensions and constraints within that movement, all narrated from a very personal point of view. I can't recommend it highly enough.
ReplyDelete