When You’re Asked To Serve First

Want to know something scary? I made a BIG goal for myself and this business financially this year. Ok, it may be taboo to talk about money, but one thing I can’t help but think about over the past few weeks since I’ve launched my Spring Mini Sessions in benefit of Musana Community Development Organization is “Larissa, what are you doing? You are not anywhere close to your goal financially for the year. Why are you giving this all away?” I am not in any way trying to toot my horn or tout any goodness here, but I want to just be real with you about the thoughts racing through my head.

When I realized that the amount of money I could have the opportunity to donate through the Spring Mini Session event on May 6th is almost ONE-EIGHT of what I want to do as a whole this year, I kind of freaked out. One, because I have been blown away by the amount of support I have received for this cause and can’t believe I have been blessed with a business that can serve others in this way (read more about why I want to help build a hospital). Two, because I have no clue how exactly I am going to meet my business goals for the year and giving away a huge amount of money terrifies me right now (just being totally honest).

I may have had a minor panic attack at the thought, and I may not know exactly how I’m going to achieve my financial goals this year, BUT (and it’s a big but!), I do know that when God asks you to serve before being served, to give before being given, you do your absolute best to listen.

“What should we do then?” the crowd asked. John answered, “anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”

– Luke 3:10

I struggle with living out this verse because John doesn’t say wait until you have as many shirts as you think you need and then give a few away. No, he says if you have only two shirts, share one with someone in need. If you only have a tiny amount of extra food, share it. So often I get caught up in the thought that “if God helps me get to this point first – whether that’s financially, physically, spiritually, etc. – then, and only once I get to this pre-determined point, will give something away to someone in need”. But that is not what is being asked of us. So, in the most humbling way possible, all I am trying to say is that I struggle too with selfishness and saving my money. BUT, you and so many others have proved to me that this cause is so worth it. That a community in Uganda thousands of miles across the ocean is worth it. 

Friends, I am incredibly thankful for the response to this mini session benefit event to help build an in-patient hospital wing in Uganda. You cannot even comprehend the difference this is going to make in hundreds of thousands of people’s lives! I may not always understand the “why” behind what God asks of me, but I can be certain that it is a very good thing. If you are still interested in signing up for a mini session time on May 6th, I have a few spots still available (including some gorgeous golden sunset times!). Please visit this pageand give me a holler – and thank you for your support!

To learn more about Musana Community Development Organization and all the amazing movements they are making, please visit www.musana.org.