Hope Is AliveSample

"Give It Away"

You know that song “Give It Away,” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers? For years I didn’t know what it was all about. Quite frankly, I found it rather annoying, since I’m much more of an “Under the Bridge” or “Soul to Squeeze” kind of guy. But recently I picked up lead singer Anthony Keidis’s autobiography, ​Scar Tissue, and found out the meaning behind the song. 

Turns out it’s about recovery and the consistent message woven throughout most programs created for addicts like us.  The principle states that, by giving away what sobriety, the program, or what others within those confines have given to you, you become more empowered to maintain it. In a nutshell, it means the more we get out of ourselves and freely give back to others, the stronger we become.  Paring it down even further, the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous says it like this: “Practical experience shows that nothing will so much insure immunity from drinking as intensive work with other alcoholics.” The magic behind giving back is how it strengthens you. The more you give away the stronger you become! 

I challenge you today to push yourself beyond what you are accustomed. Stretch yourself and see what happens. Maybe, like me, by letting the whole world know your story and living a life of transparency, you will find an elevated level of accountability. You may feel tension when everyone knows about your past, but maybe that will help you stay grounded and draw a hedge of protection around you. The truth is YOU have something that no one else has. You have a story, you have a struggle & now you have a victory. Don’t hold that “light” in, give it away! Someone needs what only you have! As we “give it away” we are passing on the love others have given us. Indeed, the greatest example of “giving it away” the world has ever known is the gift of life given to all of creation from the Father of Lights. Jesus.  God knew we desperately needed hope and redemption, so he gave it—freely—for ​all of us  to receive. Everyone.

That means you. If you haven’t accepted it, I urge you to do so today. Claim this gift of life God gave us. Gave you. He gave it away. Will you take it?