I don’t need the money.

Over the past year, since COVID has ravaged the global economy, the US economy has also suffered greatly.  In March, when everything shut down, the unemployment rate soared from a historic low of 3.5% to a whopping 14.8% almost overnight.  Sixty million people were thrown out of work.

In response to this devastation, Congress has twice passed stimulus bills that have provided one-time direct payments to every American taxpayer. So, on May 6, 2020 the Department of the Treasury deposited $2,900 into my checking account.  And on January 4, 2021 another $1,800 magically appeared.  Rumor has it that under the Biden administration we could get another $2,000 in early February.

But here’s the thing- I don’t need the money. I don’t say this to minimize the need. I know that the travel, entertainment, and restaurant industries, along with others, are teetering on the verge of collapse. We have several families in our church working in these sectors who have not only have lost their jobs, but are desperately trying to retool for new careers.  And the recession has also disproportionally affected low wage earners and minorities. I get all of that.

But many other people are doing just fine.  In fact, they’re doing MORE than fine, financially.  They’re thriving. … I fall into that category.  I’ve not missed a paycheck or a bill. And, due to the fact that expenses are lower- we didn’t go on a big vacation, haven’t gone out to eat very much, and have generally stayed home- our bottom line has actually increased. We are more than blessed.

I wish that the government would means-test the stimulus, so that only people who truly need help can get it. And I’m not thrilled at all with the astronomical debt we are leaving our kids, grandkids and great grandkids. At some point, this whole house of cards has got to come down.  But in the meantime, Pam and I are left with the question- What should we do with the $4,700 (and counting) that’s been dumped onto our laps by Uncle Sam?

For us, we’ve made the personal decision to give it away- every cent.  It’s been an easy decision, really.  The money doesn’t feel like it’s ours anyway and we can invest it to bless others without an ounce of sacrifice or pain.  When the deposit is made, I just push it back out the door. Through Jamaica Link Ministries’ COVID Relief Fund, our family has been helping to build a house for a needy family in Jamaica.  In Jamaica, a country built on tourism, things are truly desperate.  In 2017 (the most recent statistics available) 19.3% of the population lived below the poverty line.  I can only imagine what it is today.  But I know that through its food distribution programs, community outreach and church partnerships, Jamaica Link is making a difference. Do you know a charity that could use some help?

For many who have received stimulus money, giving it away may not be possible or even a wise decision.  If you have credit card debt, pay it off.  If you have no financial reserves, put it in a rainy-day fund and don’t touch it.  And if you have bills to pay, use it.  That’s what the money is intended for.  But for those who, like me, find themselves blessed beyond measure, would you take the challenge to pass your stimulus money on to a church or charity that can get it into the hands of people whose lives hang in the balance? You don’t really need a new flatscreen TV, updated deck furniture, or more government money in your bank account. And there are hundreds of worthy humanitarian organizations that are doing great work in these tumultuous times. If you don’t have any particular place in mind, you can join me in support of Jamaica Link’s COVID Relief Fund. JLM is serving the poor in extraordinary ways.

Think about it.

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:16