Philanthropist, fundraising executive, and author of The Giving Myths, Dr. Steve McSwain believes that sharing is the only sensible way of surviving the current financial crisis. That generosity is the antidote to fearfulness and pessimism. He believes the real survivors of today’s financial crisis will be those who are generous in optimism about their future and who demonstrate that optimism by being generous with their resources.

            McSwain tells parents not to waste this present economic crisis but, instead, to seize the opportunity to teach children the financial basics—save a little, share a little, then spend the rest.  He further counsels, “Why not do something really different this holiday season, like finding a family having a harder time than you are and giving them a gift or gifts to exchange?” In his inspirational talks, McSwain uses personal anecdotes and stories from his own experiences, frequently quoting from the likes of Kahlil Gibran, Albert Einstein, the Buddha, even Jesus himself.

            In his book, The Giving Myths, McSwain identifies the seven most common myths about giving that keep people from being generous. Here are three most applicable to today’s crisis:

• Give and You’ll Get Rich
• I Can’t Afford to Give
• Charity is a Private Matter

This book is for ordinary people who are searching for significance in life and those who need help in balancing anxiety over the financial crisis with the greater need to either remain or become generous. Whether it’s spontaneous giving, or carefully planned giving, McSwain persuasively inspires Americans to make the right financial decisions but, especially now.

Dr. Steve McSwain is the President of the Foundation for Excellence in Giving, a charitable organization whose purpose it is to inspire generosity in giving and living. He is one of America’s most respected executives in the fields of philanthropy, church health, leadership development, and annual and capital fundraising. He inspires audiences each year in speeches and generosity workshops. He resides with his family in Louisville, KY.

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The Giving Myths: Giving Then Getting the Life You’ve Always Wanted

Smyth & Helwys Publishing, Inc., http://www.helwys.com/books/giving_myths.html

ISBN 978-1-57312-495-9$18, 248 pages, paperback, July 2007