This is my favorite blog post every year. Here we go! It’s time to gather our families and go light ’em up!
We “light up” the hearts of people with love and kindness. Who? ANYONE in your community that could use a simple “thank you” or “Merry Christmas” or “we appreciate you.” Maybe your garbage collector? or school volunteers? or crossing guard? or librarian? How about the homeless community near your home?
If you’ve done this before, you’ve seen the faces. One kind gesture literally lights up the heart of another and it’s contagious.
And, don’t forget your kids! This is a family activity aimed at teaching them generosity through experience vs lecture.
What’s new this year?
1. THE VIDEO
Eeeek! I have been wanting to do this for so long. The story needs more than a blog post – so I gathered some of my buddies the Pitts (yes, you’ll recognize her from War Room!) and the MacFaydens and the Ellis Family and we made it happen.
Would you help me spread this video around … let’s say.. the world? We want Light ‘Em Up veterans to get excited for another year and new families from every state and every country to join in. I’ve always dreamed big. Let’s do this.
2. FACEBOOK GROUPS
A few of you started Light ‘Em Up Facebook pages (like Greenville, way to go!) to better coordinate efforts in your city and I love it! Working together is always more efficient. I started a few groups in my hometowns of Orlando, Atlanta and Dallas. Feel free to start one in your town and just share ideas and great opportunities to Light ‘Em Up in your area. Please make sure donations are being collected to non-profit organizations vs individuals.
3. “LIGHT ‘EM UP ACTS” HOME PAGE
I created a main page that has the video and has all the main links and also includes frequently asked questions. If you had ONE LINK to share with friends – I would make it this one that you are reading – or THIS NEW LINK. You can also use “LightEmUpActs.Com.”
Where to start?
Start by spreading this video! It’s time to shout this from the rooftops of your neighborhood, Facebook page, Instagram account, Twitter, church group or school – invite all your people to try just one thing.
Here’s an easy way to say it – feel free to use this for your social media pages. You can put this copy right below the link of the video.
Step 1: Post this video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENWbo7iMPXg
Step 2: Put this below it OR feel free to add your own comments about your experience! Would love that!
This link has 100 easy, creative ideas for generosity complete with cute gift tags. Just try it once and you’ll be hooked. Join us! Most heart-warming family tradition. LightEmUpActs.com #LightEmUpActs
Where are the free resources?
The tags, and 100 ideas and planning guide are the same great resources. You can get them RIGHT HERE or at the overview page.
Background – First Blog Post on Light ‘Em Up
Light ‘Em Up: 100 Ideas To Try With Your Family
Light ‘Em Up: Classroom Starter Ideas for Teachers
Light ‘Em Up: Gift Tags for Treats
Light ‘Em Up: Planning Document for a Family Meeting
LASTLY, TELL US YOU ARE IN!
Will you comment below if you are IN for this year and tell us your city, state or country. We want to hit every state in the U.S. and as many countries as possible!
I often think my “little light” doesn’t matter in the scheme of the world, but it does. You do your part. I’ll do mine. And together we can spread loads of kindness to a world that needs it. In the midst of bombs and deep hurt and unfathamable crisis, let’s remind our communities that people care and there is hope.
#LightEmUpActs
Are you stuck in a frustrating cycle? I’ve been there too.
