Light a match and the darkness recedes.
Save one live and it as if you saved the Universe.
Like many of you, I stumbled on Chaim Levin through his activism. I was immediately struck by his passion, perseverance and courage — his light. Chaim has been shedding light on the vulnerable position of gay youth in Orthodox communities and their difficult, potentially deadly realities. Has kindled discussion where there was only silence. He has ignited real change. He is setting fire to pernicious misconceptions. Through his blog, he is illuminating a world that for all too many is filled only with shame, despair and darkness, revealing an incandescent world gleaming with hope.
He hopes others will be spared the pain he endured. He hopes to let others know that their lives are worthwhile. He hopes to save lives.
He has certainly inspired me. I am amazed and reassured that, in just 5 weeks, his Gotta Give ‘em Hope blog has received over 23,000 views. I am astonished and encouraged by all the attention his work has gotten. I am astounded and rejuvenated by his tireless diligence day and night.
Indeed, I am always shocked to see him still working well into my California nights after writing all his New York days! And, I am concerned. Chaim quotes "I know you cannot live on hope alone...."
But, the truth is that hope alone has sustained his work so far. He wrote that groundbreaking article without even a computer of his own, just as he started this beckon of hope on the internet. He has been supporting himself since he was barely 17. All of this he has done without the benefit of even basic education in English, spelling, writing, math, science or history. He has devoted himself to sharing his light, spending what little money he had on his impressive and impressively time consuming efforts to offer hope to others.
He has certainly given me hope for brighter days for LGBTQ people. Having such a devoted, glowing, trail-blazing activist benefits us all. Though we come from very different backgrounds, I identify with his story, as I am sure many others do. It motivates me.
And, I hope it motivates you to contribute your financial support to Gotta Give ‘em Hope. Please click on the donate button on the upper right. Upon request, donors will be provide details of need and spending reports, as well as be acknowledged on the blog. Any contribution you can make to support this blog is greatly needed and would give hope.
“You cannot live on hope alone, but without it, life is not worth living. And you...and you...and you gotta give ‘em hope.”
Sincerely,
Corey Yoquelet, M.A.
Editor, Gotta Give 'em Hope
Please direct all inquiries regarding donation to chaim@gottagivemhope.com.
Can a donation to this blog count as maaser? :)
ReplyDeleteIs there any way to set up a recurring donation? I subscribe to a podcast that is doing quite well on donations of as little as $3-5 a month per person.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the suggestion! We'll try to set that up.
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