Love of Mankind

The word "philanthropy" comes from the Greek word "philanthropia" which is translated "love of mankind." The best definition of the word that I have found is from http://www.thefreedictinary.com/ which states that philanthropy "is a deliberate affection for mankind, shown in contributions of money, property, or work for the benefit of others."

A few weeks ago the Galveston/Houston/Southeast Texas area had an unwanted visitor by the name of Hurricane Ike. As he passed through the area late one Friday night and early Saturday morning, he left millions of inhabitants without power and some without homes and businesses. It was my first experience with a hurricane up close and personal. My wife and I were fortunate that we were on the "clean" side of the storm and for the most part only suffered about a day and a half without power and no real property damage or loss. Thousands were not as fortunate. Some are still without power 20 days after the event. Many who had evacuated as the storm approached returned to find that the storm surge had completely washed their homes away or had deposited a horrendous serving of muck and mire as the surged washed through their houses destroying their belongings. Today what the surge did not carry away or destroy the mold is consuming. Many continue to be in desperate circumstances.

Even so they are the fortunate. They are alive. Some lost their lives. In fact the search for the missing continues to this hour. For those and their families who desperately wait for news, we grieve.

In the midst of all of the destruction and misery appears examples of the "love of humankind." Even as the last remnant of Ike left the area, contributions of cash, goods, services, labor, etc. were flowing into the area. The Salvation Army, the American Red Cross, businesses, corporations and hundreds of faith-based organizations began funneling all manner of aid and assistance into the area. Yes, the governmental agencies were here and continue to be here but if the rebuilding effort is to be successful "philanthropy" will ultimately be an essential ingredient that makes it so.

Just a couple of days after the storm the Gulf Coast Ike Relief Fund (http://www.fhcf.org/) was established with an initial gift of $1 million from the Houston Astros organization. And that is just one example. Hundreds of other worthy groups and non-profit organizations have labored and continue to labor to ease the suffering and assist those knocked down to once more stand up and move forward. And it is all made possible through the generosity of good people who "love" their neighbors.

Philanthropy--easing suffering and making the world a little better one gift at a time.