I was raised by my grandparents -- although Nana represented herself as quite 'religious' - sharing was not her strong point. Her motto was, 'Charity begins at home'. She took that to mean all giving happened to only those in the family. I was reprimanded for giving to others in need. Luckily her teaching didn't stick.
I find such joy giving to others. I have been blessed with all kinds of things, material and spiritual. There is so much to share. I wish she could have been more open and giving.

How do you define charity?

Charity means different things to different people, doesn't it? Sounds like your Nana meant well -- like she tried to start the lesson of giving back to others. The important thing is that you've expanded your idea of charity to include others. Charity may begin at home, but it's got to continue, it's got to stretch beyond our four walls and find those who don't even have walls, right?

Would anyone else like to share their thoughts about what charity means to them? We're coming on the season that is one of "giving." How do you give back?