A while back I was having tea with Grandmaster Kim and he shared some of his wisdom about giving back. He said, “Give without memory and receive without forget”. These words have played over and over in my mind and is a huge driving force for me when it comes to doing charitable acts and more notably, raising money for those who need it. It is what has driven our martial arts organization, United Martial Arts Centers to raise over $150,000 dollars for LLS; for the fight against blood cancers. (And continue to do so.)
“Give without memory” refers to giving for the sake of giving and not expecting anything in return. Giving is not a business transaction, it is selfless gesture of genuine kindness and caring. Once you expect something in return, you lost the meaning of charity. “Receive without forget” refers to holding the kindness that was offered to you close to your heart and never forget it. I also believe that when good was given to you it is your responsibility to pay it forward to others. This way the selfless act that was given to you is passed on. That is the true meaning of charity. Remember, our lives are defined not by what we have, but what we have given to others.
