‘One Simple Act’ shares impact of generosity

  Could something as simple as a giving a homeless person a pair of warm gloves on a cold winter’s day make a difference in that person’s life? Could something as simple as sending a “thinking of you” note to a lonely person brighten their day? Simple acts of kindness and generosity have the potential to change the world, one person at a time.
  This is the premise behind Debbie Macomber’s new book, “One Simple Act: Discovering The Power of Generosity.” Macomber, who is well known for her best-selling romantic novels and seasonal holiday stories, shows an intimate side of herself in this dramatic book that is all about sharing ourselves with the world.
  Macomber explains, through her own personal experiences, biblical tales and other people’s real-life stories, how by giving the simple but impacting gifts of time, encouragement, hope, laughter, prayer, hospitality, service and even forgiveness can have lasting, life-changing effect, not only on the person receiving such meaningful gifts but on the giver as well.
  “I am convinced that we cannot become all we could be until we are willing to unclench our hands and release what we’ve been clinging to, what we’ve been determined to keep for ourselves,” Macomber says. “The intriguing part is that once we release such gifts, we are free to take hold of something more, something better, something that God has wanted to give us for a very long time.”
  In other words, Macomber believes that by doing intentional acts of generosity, people can open their lives to the very best that God has to offer, and in the process make life a little better for someone else.
  And the acts of generosity don’t have to be hard. The key word in the title of the book is Simple. Just a few suggestions include listening to a friend, paying forward for someone at the grocery store, or sending a note of encouragement to one who may be having problems.
  There are many simple ideas listed in the book, as well as a “discovery” section that encourages mediation, thought and prayer.
  This slender book has the power to change the world, if only one person at a time. Macomber gives encouragement and suggestions through her warm, heartfelt storytelling and open honesty. And it couldn’t have come at a better time than during the holiday season, but the book also should be kept handy all year as a reminder to be kind to each other.