Quote

"I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver."

- Maya Angelou
​​​

Real Life

Sadio Mané has been described as one of the greatest African footballers ever. He came from a small town in Senegal and at 15 ran away to follow his dream of playing football.

At the age of 19 he signed with the Metz club in France and went on to star for clubs such as South Hampton and Liverpool. He is a prolific goal scorer and even had a season as the joint top goal scorer in the premier league. He has also represented his nation over 100 times.

Personally, Mané has contributed millions of euros towards many projects in his hometown, including building a school, a hospital, a petrol station and a post office. He is an ambassador for a not for profit organisation and continues to give generously to causes in his home nation.

In the midst of his fame and success, Mané has not forgotten where he came from or the challenges those who live there face. He has tirelessly invested in the communities of his home nation and when asked why, he responds “Why would I want ten Ferraris, 20 diamond watches, and two jet planes? I starved, I worked in the fields, played barefoot, and I didn't go to school. Now I can help people. I prefer to build schools and give poor people food or clothing."

The bible says that we should not be hard-hearted or tight fisted with our money, but instead we should be openhanded and give generously to those in need (Deuteronomy 15:7-10). This passage also talks about the blessing it is to operate like this, that a generous heart will do us good as well as those whom we give to. In another passage the bible says that “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25) once again indicating that generosity is the best way to live. It certainly seems to be a life choice that Sadio Mané is happy he made.

Bible Verse

If anyone is poor…do not be hard-hearted or tight fisted toward them. Rather, be open-handed…Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart.

Deuteronomy 15:7-8

Prayer

Lord thank You for the ways you have blessed me. Please help me to be generous with all that I have, that I may honour You with how I use the resources I have.

Author: Sarah Auld   |   Content Editor: Phil Pawley