Equipping young women professionals with young families to find fulfillment, contentment and joy as mothers and home makers without losing sight of who they are as women.

Volume 07, Issue 06: Bring Something to the Party

Showing up empty-handed for a visit at a friend’s or relative’s place is ill-mannered in some settings. We are not always polite to do the proper thing when visiting with people – carry something for them since it’s not a big deal in most of our settings.

When we are careful to go the extra mile on a visit with family or friends, we make a point to go bearing gifts as simple as grocery shopping. This impresses our host; it shows that we thought of them, considered what we could do for them, not just the enjoyment we can get at their expense. However, I have noticed that we don’t do so well when we go to someone we need help from. Most of us go empty-handed.

When you approach someone in a position to advance your standing in life, or a friend; it should not be just about what they can do for you. Be mindful of what you can give to them. The Diva Principle – Mitchell Mckinney Hammond. It could be someone you want to walk with you in an area you are struggling in - mentor you to greater heights. It could be someone you want to help you financially – help you get a job, invest in your business idea, give you a loan. Win them over by showing up with something. After all, the Bible says a gift opens doors.

You could say, but I don’t have anything to offer, I am the one in need; or, they don’t need anything – they have it all together. Everyone has something to give, and everyone appreciates a gift. Your gift need not be much, for it is not the magnitude but the thought that counts. Keep in mind that gifts come in all forms; it could be an item or a service; whatever is relevant to your beneficiary.

For instance, you could offer to buy them coffee as you present your need, or baby sit or take their out kids for a weekend so they can have a break; or come early and help with dinner preparations so they don’t have to labour in the kitchen after giving you time in their already full schedule; or offer to cover their children’s books for the new school year. You determine whatever you suppose would be appreciated by your beneficiary.

Offering a gift when you are seeking one is not bribery. It is not giving a bribe in exchange for what you need. The purpose of your gift is not to compromise the standards of your recipient, but to express a genuine appreciation for the value they will add to your life. More importantly, it shows that you are not just looking for a handout, but you are rather willing to exchange resources. The Diva Principle – Mitchell Mckinney Hammond

When her Majesty the Queen of Sheba visited King Solomon to learn from his vast wisdom, she went with full hands. She went bearing gifts of gold, spices and precious stones, and gave them extravagantly. The Bible records that never again were so many spices brought in as those the Queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon. And in return, she got so much more than she expected. The King gave her all she desired and asked for, in addition to what he had given her out of his royal bounty. The Diva Principle – Mitchell Mckinney Hammond

Let’s purpose to not approach anyone empty-handed. Go with full hands. Have something to bring to the party. Provide a gift even when you are seeking one. Let’s strive to be a gift to others, always seeking to enrich their lives as they enrich ours. The Diva Principle – Mitchell Mckinney Hammond

Lillian Chebosi