April 6, 2020
It had been over a month since I’d been on a stage, as I sat in my office staring at a blank white board that had been filled with events scheduled for an epic 2020 just weeks prior, now canceled or postponed.
To me, all was lost.
No prospects, no opportunities, no interest in what I had to offer in a virtual setting.
How would I provide for my family?
Suddenly a ping on my phone.
A TEXT from a friend of a friend – yes we’d met before, but only in passing.
“Can you bring some joy to our employees in a 30 minute virtual performance? We just laid off 40 employees and are reeling during this situation. I can’t really offer you any money but happy to provide something of trade if you tell me what you need.”
The feeling of worthlessness began to subside.
Years of performing at a very high level, for fees that would make most people shocked to know were even an option, having stuck to that fee as a matter of principle for a decade…I was now willing to do this request for just about anything.
I replied with a heartfelt thanks and laid out my predicament –
“I would love to do it. I believe I can do 30 minutes, but I’m unable to hook up my DSLR camera and an external mic, since I don’t have the gear needed to make it really sound great musically at this point, as my voice doesn’t seem to be matching the camera…so it looks really unprofessional without this equipment I need to function at this point. But I’ll do my best with what I have.”
“What do you need?” was the response.
I described the items, letting it be known they were unavailable due to the panic of the pandemic.
Somehow, in a matter of minutes, this person found the impossible, 2 backordered items I was missing to complete my puzzle, and was now asking for my address to have it overnighted to my house!
I collapsed to the ground in gratitude as tears choked my ability to reply, even in text.
Having not slept for a month, trying anything I could to figure out next steps for survival of the long haul before me, this was The Gift that would launch me into surviving tragedy.
“What do you need?” is the ultimate gifting question.
It was 2 small items, that at the time, were both unavailable and too expensive for me to justify buying on credit, as people were in a bidding war over it on eBay – one of which was $300 brand new, but now in the 4-figures range.
This may not seem like the greatest gift at this time if you’re not in the midst of stewardship ruin, but to my family and I, this was the most incredible gesture I had received in more than 10 years.
The Gift now allows me to provide for my family, to bring joy to the world in the way I do best, to deliver smiles to strangers who feel a burden lifted as I offer my gift.
~
“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day;
Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime;
Gift the man a fishing pole, hook, bait, sinkers and a tackle box, and you have a new best friend for life who will catch food for you.”
~
He was in need of what I could offer…I was in need of what he could provide.
~
The Gift doesn’t have to be financial – it can be a listening ear and compromise.
The Gift doesn’t have to be substantial – it can be a smile unseen beneath a mask, with joyful eyes.
The Gift doesn’t have to be consequential – it can be a subtle compliment which surprisingly strengthens family ties.
~
“What do you need?” to fulfill the job?
“What do you need?” to create your future?
“What do you need?” to see everything is a blessing?
What Promise Gift will you provide for someone in need, and what gifts have been provided to you during this time of your need?
~ jason hewlett
Leadership Coach * Virtual Keynote Speaker * Speaker Hall of Fame
The Promise To The One
24 Responses
Love this Jason! Such a great story and reminder that what may seem a small gesture of kindness can literally change the world of the receiver. So glad you are on your feet and sharing your beautiful GIFT with the world.
Means a lot, Katrina, and thank you for always thinking of me with your clients, it is huge for us.
Loved this post! It really is about the little things.
It truly is. Thank you Toni for commenting.
So beautiful. I have experienced this type of thing and it is always overwhelming and sacred. Thank you for sharing.
Sacred is the right word for it, and overwhelming! Thank you Mary Ann.
Thanks Jason…just what my Monday morning mood needed. You’re awesome and inspiring!
Thank you so much Ann, that means a great deal coming from such an inspirational person as you!
Exactly my thoughts this last few days. Thanks so much!
Awesome! Thank you Tracie!
Great story and nice pick me up on a drab Monday. A great reminder of using our skills and gifts to share with others. Thank you!
Thank you very much, Steve. I hope you and your family are well!
Love that perspective Jason… Especially since like you, my world of live events came to a screeching halt.
Yes sir it did! And I appreciate you reaching out and saying hello. My best to you.
What do you need? How can I help? I’m here for you.
Kind words.
Magic words.
Helping words.
You are a great example of one who uses these words.
I have been the recipient.
Thank you.
Thank you Les, you continue to bless my life, my friend.
Your gratitude says as much about what a wonderful person you are as his gift to you says about your friend. Your willingness to share and give of yourself in trying times created an opportunity to receive. Just beautiful! Thank you for sharing this inspiring story!
Thank you Julie, you are a blessing to me.
Omg, I love this post. I’m reading your book “The Promise To The One”, and that is where I find you had a blog. From now on, I will try to read your posts!
Camila! Thank you so much for loving this post and reading the book, and finding us here. Wishing you all the best.
Great story, thanks for sharing! And for having a heart of gratitude, it’s contiguous!
Thank you Tracy! A heart of gratitude is a wonderful space to live.
Saw you a few years ago at the MHEDA convention in Salt Lake – been following you ever since. Love your perspective of the Promise and now the Gift. Thanks for keeping it real for us out here!
Thank you so much Karl. MHEDA was a big and wonderful event to be a part of. Hope you are well.