Dear
Oprah,
For the last
year, I have daydreamed about how to get the greatest value from a million
dollars and how its positive impact can be extended over a lasting period of time.
I'm a firm believer that the way to change the world begins with individuals
who are committed to improving their corner of the world, no matter their
circumstances, and I have found myself considering the families whose hearts ache
as they sincerely express, “We wish we could give more, but this is all we
have.”
If only we could have more people like this, with their quiet, powerful impact, and if only we could give them the ability to do more good.
If only we could have more people like this, with their quiet, powerful impact, and if only we could give them the ability to do more good.
Then this idea came together. What if we search out
and give THIS type of family their wish?! What if we make it possible for them
to have more to give from their own pockets, and allow them to commit to continue giving in a
big way?
THE GOAL:
Allow a small number of families who are already committed to giving and serving
their fellow man the chance of a lifetime—for a large portion of their monthly
income to be ‘freed up’ and allocated ONLY for the benefit of other people they
encounter. Not just once, but for an extended period of time.
THE PLAN:
Find 10 families throughout the nation who are already living a life of charity and giving, regardless of their existing financial demands, and whose existing mortgages are approximately $100,000 each. We pay their mortgages in full, hold their home titles, and allow the amount of money these families spend every month to be redirected into their neighborhoods and communities for seven years.
Seven years! Seven years of a family habitually giving,
of looking outward and seeking ways to bless and give to those around them.
Seven years of their daily perspectives being drastically altered. Seven years
of no longer saying “I wish I could…” but instead functioning with the perspective and intent
of “I can help!” How different the homeless man on the corner will appear. How
different the woman with her broken-down car will be viewed. How different
those fund-raisers will seem. And how different will that exhausted waitress
be seen? How much more interesting will the life become of the coatless
little boy who stands at the bus stop? And the collection jar for a stranger with
mounting medical bills? To change just one life is to change generations!
We will choose parents whose word is stronger than a contract; whose hearts understand that their integrity and their ability to serve others brings a treasure more important than money into their lives, and we'll extend the offer to these families: If there is a way for them to take the amount of money they currently spend on their mortgage every month, and give it to individuals around them who are in need, will they?
How different the eyes and ears of these families will become as they view and listen to the same world they have always known, and find that there is an entirely new world being revealed, just below the layer of personal necessities. Seven years of this habit being established, and untold numbers of lives being blessed along the way.
I believe this is a beautiful start to converting the value of a dollar (or a million in this case) into what our world needs most of all: kinder & more generous hearts; eyes to truly see; ears to truly hear; and capable, confident hands empowered to help.
And, if these families agree to these terms, their mortgage will be considered paid in full at the end of those seven years, and the title to their home is theirs.
Let their stories inspire our nation! Allow us to be inspired to do something similar in our own lives, however humble.
And what to do if a family is no longer able to participate? If they have to sell their home and move, or other extenuating circumstances cause their situation to change? Offer them their mortgage back, minus all the 'payments' they have made. They have still benefited from the time they were involved, and our kindness still blesses them with having lost ‘nothing’ but gained much on their end.
Oprah, I have long appreciated your focus on generosity and your inspiration to help others catch this joy of giving. You are truly a force for good in this world, and I express a very heartfelt thank you for all that you and your staff have done, and all you continue to do.
We will choose parents whose word is stronger than a contract; whose hearts understand that their integrity and their ability to serve others brings a treasure more important than money into their lives, and we'll extend the offer to these families: If there is a way for them to take the amount of money they currently spend on their mortgage every month, and give it to individuals around them who are in need, will they?
How different the eyes and ears of these families will become as they view and listen to the same world they have always known, and find that there is an entirely new world being revealed, just below the layer of personal necessities. Seven years of this habit being established, and untold numbers of lives being blessed along the way.
I believe this is a beautiful start to converting the value of a dollar (or a million in this case) into what our world needs most of all: kinder & more generous hearts; eyes to truly see; ears to truly hear; and capable, confident hands empowered to help.
And, if these families agree to these terms, their mortgage will be considered paid in full at the end of those seven years, and the title to their home is theirs.
Let their stories inspire our nation! Allow us to be inspired to do something similar in our own lives, however humble.
And what to do if a family is no longer able to participate? If they have to sell their home and move, or other extenuating circumstances cause their situation to change? Offer them their mortgage back, minus all the 'payments' they have made. They have still benefited from the time they were involved, and our kindness still blesses them with having lost ‘nothing’ but gained much on their end.
Oprah, I have long appreciated your focus on generosity and your inspiration to help others catch this joy of giving. You are truly a force for good in this world, and I express a very heartfelt thank you for all that you and your staff have done, and all you continue to do.
God
bless you all!!
Sincerely,
Rebecca
Lunt
bendablelight@gmail.com
(480) 318-5180
bendablelight@gmail.com
(480) 318-5180
