“One of the primary virtues that is taught by any religion is the virtue of charity. This is an act that pertains to giving help to people who are in need. Charity can be seen being practiced in most communities and is an activity that is highly encouraged. This is a voluntary deed, which shows the concern, benevolence and kindness of one human being towards another. By doing charity, you are showing that you have love for other people.
“Charity” is a word that stemmed from the French word “charite,” which in turn was derived from “caritas,” a Latin word that means valuable or high price. But today, contrary to its original meaning, charity does not necessarily have to be an extremely expensive action. Charity can be done even in the smallest of gestures. Offering prayers is even considered as a charitable act. Charity can be done by individuals or through groups and organizations. It can be through the use of tangible objects such as food, shelter and money, or it can be a purely intangible act, such as listening to and comforting other people.
There are many ways of showing and doing charity. Some people provide medical attention to sick or aged people, such as cancer patients or those who are in a seniors’ home. Another example of charitable work is providing education to less fortunate children. Rehabilitation of those in prison is also a form of charity. Participating in building and repair of homes, churches, bridges and havens is also considered to be charity.
The most commonly seen charity practice is the act of almsgiving. This act refers to giving monetary donations or goods such as food and clothing to less fortunate people, and is done either directly or indirectly through the means of charitable trusts and foundations. Almsgiving is usually directed towards the poor, disabled, sick, street children, orphans and those who have been struck by various calamities.” (Showing Neighborly Concern: The Act Of Charity, http://charitykindness.com/Showing+Neighborly+Concern:+The+Act+Of+Charity.5573.htm)
here is my dilemna…
my dad has always been lending his hands to relatives who are in need or less fortunate, even to less fortunate friends. my siblings and i grew up having cousins living with us because dad is sending them to school, as their parents can not afford to send them alone. my dad also frequently sends assistance to his sickly brothers, and to nephews and nieces in need. may charitable institution daw, ika nga ni mommy.
we understand his desire to help other people. he says it is his way of showing his gratitude to his siblings and the people who helped him when he was the one in need when he was very young.
so, here’s the dilemna… i have two nieces from a cousin whom dad sent to high school. my cousin is a widow, and the sole provider of her family, i.e. four children in their teens. the two nieces i am talking about are the youngest of the brood of seven, ages thirteen and fourteen, both in high school. my dad had seen their living conditions, and are not satisfied with what he had seen. my cousin, their mother, asked my dad if he can put to his care her young daughters. my dad said yes. though, this still needs to be discussed with my mom, and i with my hubby. bakit may “I” pa? since my dad lives in america, and my hubby and i here in manila, my two nieces will be living with me. toughy ba?
new family, new baby, new adjustments, ano pa ba? and this… new pakikisama as i don’t know my nieces. difficult for arnold and i. i’m not 100% buying the idea because i will be the one looking after my nieces, and i don’t have extra time to take care of anyone else other than my daughter. and the living arrangements? where will i let them sleep? i know we have 3 bedrooms, and a guest room/computer-printing room, but the house is all a mess, full of izzie’s stuff, my mom’s stuff, my brothers’ stuff, and our stuff. if you can just imagine. it;s sometimes like sleeping in a big storage room. hehehe.
well, i’m not closing my doors. but it’ll be a very BIG step settling for my dad’s idea. wish me luck.
