Radical Generosity: An Adventure Into Deep Compassion

Happy Son-Day!!!

Galatians 6:2

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ, 

which is Christ-like love.

You will always find the "Good News" here.

The Day I Dapped Michael J

In Jamaica, Yeah Mon!

Radical Generosity: An Adventure into Deep Compassion

I’ll never forget walking into the Jamaican resort compound and experiencing the warm embrace of 72 degrees; the salty breeze from the Ocho Rios Cove; the rhythmic tune of a live violinist's melodies wafting through the luxurious main lobby; and the promise of five days in paradise.

This wasn’t a foreign mission trip like my past travels. This time, I was headed to an all-inclusive resort. No worries about food, entertainment, or transportation. Everything was taken care of. And no lie, it felt amazing.

The second night, I sat under a canopy of stars, sipping a Diet Coke while the sound of the waves coming ashore played in the distance. “This,” I thought, “is the life.” The food was exquisite, the service flawless, and the entertainment vibrant. No complaints here.

At the start of my third day of being pampered without guilt, something tugged at my conscience. I started noticing the staff, the women with their hair pulled back into neat buns, the men clean-shaven with sharp haircuts. Always smiling, always ready. Their movements were graceful, almost choreographed, as they glided between tables. There were so many servers, far more than I’d ever seen back home. Why so many? I wondered. This level of service must cost the employer a fortune.

Capitalism is about making as much money as you can. It can be good, but it can also be greedy, often at the expense of frontline workers. The resort owner wasn’t losing money; excellent service means guests return and spread the word. But I couldn’t help thinking about the people behind that great service.

Then the burning question hit me like a boulder: How much are these beautiful human beings earning?

The quick answer is the servers are not getting a livable wage. Much less in comparison to their U.S. colleagues in the same industry. Yes, I know, their U.S. counterparts may not be earning a livable wage as well. We are experiencing affordability issues in the States.

I had to fight off the sensation that I may be complicit to an "aesthetically pleasing to the eye" sweatshop. To be honest, I was a little naïve about my initial perspective about Jamaica. I did not do any research on Jamaica’s geography, government, or economy.

Here is a little economic information about the island nation. Per salaryexpert.com, Jamaica has a high-cost economy which means the overall cost of goods and services, like housing, food, transportation, and utilities is more than the income. Typical cost of living is $1,360 per month for a Jamaican, and the average server base salary per month is $980. With tips, a server can earn an additional $175. Total monthly earnings are $1,155 per month.

Later, I asked one of the servers how things were going for them. The response. “We work hard, it’s not easy. We typically work ten to twelve hours a day, often seven days a week. No guaranteed days off”.

My heart sank.

Outside the resort’s gates, life looked very different. Homes that were lacking and bleak hard realities. I’d seen this before in other developing countries during my mission work. But here, in the shadow of luxury, the contrast felt sharper.

I had the opportunity to travel the coastal highway 50 miles each trip, five times. Let’s just say I greatly appreciate my modest domicile, and I wish things were better for these wonderful people.

Yes, tourism helps the economy to a small degree. But does that absolve us from compassion? Absolutely not. Scripture calls us to something deeper. To act.

• Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. (Proverbs 3:27)
• Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people. (Galatians 6:10)
• Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done. (Proverbs 19:17)

Here is hard a truth and direction from God about the demands of love:

• There will always be poor people in the land. So, I’m commanding you to give freely to those who are poor and needy. Open your hands to them. (Deuteronomy 15:11)

Generosity isn’t just charity; it’s a reflection of God’s heart. This message is about responding the best way we can when compassion moves us. For me, that meant tipping generously, not begrudgingly. Jo and I decided to use our souvenir money for tips instead. I told her, “We’ll grab souvenirs later on Amazon.” Honestly, it was practical too, our luggage was already stuffed and flirting with the 50-pound limit!

When we tip generously, when we choose kindness, we’re extending Christ’s love. My father, William J. Jackson, believed this deeply. If we didn’t treat a server right, we got “the big lecture.” From him. And he was right.

You might think I’m a bleeding heart, and frankly, you’d be right. That’s a pretty accurate description of me. I’ve got plenty of flaws, but if compassion counts as one, I’ll gladly own it. Caring for others brings a kind of reward that money could never match.

Caring for others runs deep in my family. Many of us have a mission-minded heart and have served in missions in places all over the globe. Serving others is part of our DNA, we see a need, and we respond. Christ did the same. He was moved by what He saw and responded with love: “When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36)

Here’s My Challenge to You

Next time you’re served, whether at a resort, a restaurant, or even your local coffee shop, pause and see the person behind the service. Look beyond the smile and uniform. Ask yourself: How can I show Christ’s love here? Maybe it’s a generous tip. Maybe it’s a kind word. Maybe it’s both.

Because love isn’t just what we feel, it’s what we do.

Circa 2006. Missions work. Bobby Jr getting a
shovel full ofcement to help build a cinder
block home in Central America

Hallelujah! Sing a New Song to GOD. Sing HIS praise in the assembly of godly people. Psalm 149:1.

"God's Got a Blessing (with My Name on It!)", 2006, Norman Hutchins.

Somebody today needs to hear that God has a blessing out there for you with your name on it. Come on now!.   I am feeling a Hallelujah time here!  Lyrics below.

Here is a bonus reel that reminded of the old days.  Please click on it and I promise it will bring a smile on your face because you were in that choir.

[Verse 1:]
It makes no difference what your going through,
You're going to make it, God's going to see you through.
Hold your head up, put a smile on your face,
This is another test, it won't last always.

[Chorus:]
Get ready for your blessing,
Get ready for your miracle.

Get ready for your blessing,
Get ready for your miracle.

[Verse 2:]
I know you've been hurting deep down inside,
Let me encourage you, it's going to be alright.
Troubles and trials come to make you strong,
Keep on believing, you keep holding on.

[Chorus]

[Vamp:]
(God's got a blessing), God's got a blessing.
(God's got a blessing), God's got a blessing.
(God's got a blessing), God's got a blessing.
(God's got a blessing), God's got a blessing.

[As Directed]

With your name on it.

With my name on it.