Greetings, Earthlings. (Don't know why I just said that but it popped in my head so I said it)

I hope that you all are having a fabulous day. First off, thank you so much for the huge amount of love on my first article. I truly feels awesome to write again. Writing has always been an outlet for me and to see my words online is kind of weird but so liberating. So thank you again for making a girl feel special.

Now on to the good stuff!

So for the past few weeks, I have been thinking a lot about being a giver and what that means. As good people, we are supposed to give more than we receive and we should always be cheerful givers. But I started noticing a trend on social media that made my little antennas go up. I was on Instagram and I was looking through the explore page (for those of you not familiar with the app, it's a page where you can see other posts from people whose content alight with your interests) and a woman was discussing how she "paid it forward" to a person who "looked less fortunate than her" at her local Chick-Fil-A. Everyone started commenting under her post and saying what a great person she was and how thoughtful she is but I couldn't help but think, "Why did she have to tell us...wasn't giving enough gratification for her?" And I never mean to say that and sound judgmental because Lord knows I am the last person to judge anyone. But it bothered me to the point where I started noticing it more and more.

Why do we as people need for others to tell us good job when we do something for someone else? Why do we have the sudden urge to share that with someone rather than keeping it between you, that person and God? I was talking to a friend and he was telling about how it annoys him when people go on mission trips and barely do any work but take pictures so they can show people "what a great person they are." If we are really good people, do we really need to put forth effort into showing others that quality about ourselves?

I know I'm asking a lot of questions but this is topic that will step on some toes; and that's okay! We are all family and family calls each other when they see something wrong. But the next time you want to give, ask yourself "am I really paying it forward or do I just want someone to pay me attention?" My challenge to you this week is to give with no one knowing. It doesn't matter if your gesture is small as helping someone at the store or as extravagant as giving someone $1000. Give with the intention to love and give with the most cheerful and honest heart.

I love you all and thanks for reading.

God Speed,

Lu