"...The brain is stirred. The emotions may be provoked, desires clarified, the imagination stretched...."

This week, I’m reading a quote from The Paradox of Generosity by Christian Smith and Hilary Davidson. 2014 edition.

Reflection questions:

• Will you choose a cause other than your own where you can meet with their staff or volunteers to listen with imagination and have your horizons expanded?

• Will you intentionally reach out to an organization that you wouldn’t typically support in order to be exposed to a different community of people?

To purchase this book: The Paradox of Generosity by Christian Smith and Hilary Davidson.

Copyright: Oxford University Press 2014. Reproduced with permission of the Licensor through PLSclear.

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To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com.

Music credit: Woeisuhmebop

"...You have heard people say, “Love your neighbors and hate your enemies.” But I tell you to love your enemies and pray for anyone who mistreats you..."

This week, I am reading the words of Jesus and His approach to opponents from Matthew 5 and 6.

Reflection questions:

• If you were to give your fundraising appeal to an opponent to read, how would they respond? Would the letter be consider fair? Considerate? Even loving?

• When you are speaking with a donor about an opponent of your mission, are you portraying the opponent in the best possible light even if you are outlining policy or tactical disagreements?

View the Calvin and Hobbes cartoon about Enmity and Fundraising Letters from July 7, 1995.

The text of Matthew 5 and 6 have entered the public domain.

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To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com.

Music credit: Woeisuhmebop

"...Ninthly, that meekness is invincible, where it is genuine, and sincere without hypocrisy. For, what can the most insolent do to you, if you stedfastly persist in kindness to him, and, upon occasion, mildly admonish and instruct him thus, at the very time he is attempting to do you an injury?.."

This week, I am reading a quote from Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, written around 171 AD.

Reflection questions:

• How do you approach donors with opinions that are different to your own?

• How can you be intentional about showing kindness and gently instructing while being secure in your cause?

This work has entered the public domain.

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To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com.

Music credit: Woeisuhmebop