George Bailey & Me
I think about my old friend George Bailey from time to time. You probably remember him. Tall guy, born and raised in Bedford Falls, spitting image of Jimmy Stewart. Beautiful family.
I grew up with George. We’ve spent many an hour together over the years, typically at the holidays. In fact, that’s really the only time I’ve seen him—but what he represents is something that stays with me all year long.
I know, I know. “It’s A Wonderful Life” is a movie we watch during the holidays, and it’s almost summer now. After all, only 58 minutes of the movie are set during the holidays in December. I love this movie because its message is evergreen. George Bailey’s life story shows him doing good deeds in all seasons, not just at the holidays, and it has a positive ripple effect over the years. That’s something I try to carry with me with each viewing.
I can’t help but admire George Bailey. Truth be told, I aspire to be like him. He’s one of those salt-of-the-earth people, who cares for others, seeks out ways to help where he can, and never seeks a reward. He doesn’t think of himself as a hero, but in my book, he’s heroic because he does what he can with what he has. Without a second thought.
In that spirit, I’m proud to be a supporter of Insight Counseling Centers. It does so much good throughout the year with quality and compassionate mental health counseling services. Insight’s counselors are there for individuals, couples, and families facing a variety of concerns. I take comfort in knowing they’re there.
If George Bailey inspires you, too, I have an easy way you can do some good in all seasons: by joining the Compassion Circle, Insight Counseling Centers’ society of monthly givers. It’s easy to join (it took me less than five minutes), and you get to choose how much you give. (And who wouldn’t want to be part of something called “Compassion Circle”?)
A little at a time, one month at a time, you’ll be making a big difference. It adds up. You’ll be making it easier for Insight to plan long-term and budget more efficiently. And there’s another reason—the most important reason—that George Bailey could get behind. Your support will help others in a real and needed way: by making it possible for clients to receive compassionate mental health counseling services on an income-based fee scale.
Some things are just too big to face alone and no one should have to. We all need a Clarence at one time or another: someone to step in with compassion and expertise, someone to walk with us on journeys we don’t understand but still have to make one way or another. It’s less scary when we don’t have to face it alone. With Insight, clients have someone to help them find their way.
YOU can be part of making that happen with your gift. And just think of the ripple effect that can have. One life can touch another for the better, which touches another, which touches another. In the movie, we see the ripple effect George Bailey’s life has because of the good he does. Each of us has that same opportunity. Joining the Compassion Circle or making a gift when you can are wonderful ways to do it.
I hope you’ll join me as part of Insight’s Compassion Circle. Whether you become a recurring monthly donor or can make a single donation now, your support matters and is greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your support and your consideration
Jared Porter
Board Member
Insight Counseling Centers
