Living Generously: My Journey of Faith, Family, and Purpose

My story of generosity began long before I understood what the word truly meant. As a child, I watched my family and church partner with a sister church in Ukraine. That early connection to global missions and biblical stewardship shaped my heart in ways I’m still discovering today. It was during those formative years that I began to understand what it meant to give—not just money, but time, energy, and love.

A Legacy I’m Grateful For

I was raised in a home where contentment and stewardship were more than values—they were a way of life. Through family trips abroad and a church community that prioritized service, I learned the principles of “Earn, Save, and Give.” These weren’t just financial lessons; they were life lessons. Now, as a mom, my husband and I are doing our best to raise our children in that same spirit, modeling what it looks like to live generously in a world that often tells us to hold tightly.

From Staff to Steward

I spent ten incredible years on staff at HOPE International, and when I stepped away to focus on our young children, my passion for generosity didn’t fade—it deepened. Today, I serve on several boards, including HOPE’s, and I remain actively involved in the generosity community. I’ve learned that generosity isn’t just about giving money—it’s about setting a financial finish line, knowing when to say yes, and learning the self-care of saying no.

Raising Generous Kids in a Consumer Culture

One of the most meaningful parts of this journey has been parenting with purpose. My husband and I are intentional about raising our kids in a culture of generosity—not just through giving, but through hospitality, travel, and conversations about contentment. Whether we’re inviting others into our home or taking our kids on trips that expand their worldview, we want them to see generosity as a lifestyle.

Living the Calling

I often encourage women to pay attention to where God has them right now. For me, balancing motherhood, board service, and community involvement isn’t about doing it all—it’s about doing what matters most. I’ve learned that generosity isn’t limited to finances. It’s about being generous with our whole selves—our time, our presence, our gifts.

A Contagious Joy

I’ve seen firsthand that the joy of giving is contagious. My life reflects the truth of Matthew 6:19–21: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Whether through financial stewardship, hospitality, or simply showing up for others, I’ve found that when we practice generosity, we grow. And that growth brings joy—not just to us, but to everyone around us.

*This blog post was thoughtfully adapted from Alisa Hoober’s interview on The Finish Line podcast. In it, Alisa shares how her early experiences with global missions and biblical stewardship shaped her lifelong journey of generosity. You can listen to the full podcast interview here.