But only to smart causes. The power couple is interested exclusively in “impact giving.”

They, for example, plan to fund a comprehensive experiment on what causes obesity. There is much more to know about how the body processes food. A study like this could lead to effective advice not just on obesity but also on other dietary issues; it could improve well-being for virtually everybody.

Along with obesity, they also want to dig into criminal justice and pension reform.

The Arnolds want to give their money to projects that will contribute to the wider depository of human knowledge. Causes have to show a scientific approach to prove that the projects have a high probability of working.

The Arnolds have been criticized for not giving to more immediate (non-experimental) causes. Their public donations focus on public policy problems that create “moral inefficiencies”. They want to help society by making it smarter.

According to The Chronicle of Philanthropy, last year, at $423 million give this far, they are the third-highest givers in the country.

Some philanthropers give money to maintain an image. Some give money to help organizations that helped them. And some, like the Arnolds, give money to actually improve society. The fact that the Arnolds think about the causes they’re supporting in terms of scientific inquiry, implementation, and impact rather than just randomly writing checks indicates that they care both deeply and smartly.

“Corporate social responsibility is everything that happens around us, and we are all an integral, indispensable and probably the most important part of it, as the whole of our planet may be viewed as one large corporation.” – Alexander Vinogradov

It is important to recognize that companies can have a great impact on their surrounding communities and country. As a corporation, aside from generating business, they are responsible for helping their employees through pension plans, health benefits, among other things. In addition, firms can help finance other initiatives including playgrounds, sports fields, schools, nurseries, etc. As Deputy CEO, Alexander Vinogradov of Pepeliaev Group is highly involved in the process of corporate social responsibility. His company provides various benefits to employees and implements socially oriented projects. These projects include assisting the Kremlin Museums Support Fund and the Regional Public Organization of Disabled People. In addition, the company helps the Russian State Library and State Historical Museum in an effort to aid in the restoration of historical documents and “preserve the national intellectual legacy.”

Corporate Social Responsibility should be a constant and serious initiative for any company. Outside of the workplace office lies a world that is in need of help. If not within your immediate reach, opportunities to help and make a difference could be found in other countries. Aiding in different social initiatives will not only shape positively your own company culture but will also cast your organization in a positive light with outside stakeholders. It is important to wisely steward both your personal and business resources in a way that will impact the world positively.

I came across this devotional from Jesus Calling. A powerful message. A powerful reminder to trust and rely on God in all circumstances.

Let My Love stream through you, washing away fear and distrust. A trusting response includes Me in your thoughts as you consider strategies to deal with a situation. My continual Presence is a promise, guaranteeing that you never have to face anything alone. My children teethe on the truth that I am always with them, yet they stumble around in a stupor, unaware of My loving Presence all around them. How that grieves Me!

When you walk through a day in trusting dependence on Me, My aching heart is soothed. Gently bring your attention back to Me whenever it wanders away. I look for persistence—rather than perfection—in your walk with Me.

But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.

—Psalm 52:8

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

—Deuteronomy 31:6

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

—Ephesians 4

I’ve been dealing with resentment. My closest friend turned against me and threw me under the bus. I can’t explain the hurt and pain I feel down deep in my soul. Any words of advice for my broken heart?

Love, J.

A: Dear J.,

I am so very sorry. I understand. More than you realize. I myself have dealt with a painful experience that fractured a very close relationship. I will say this, miracles can and will happen. The love of Christ and time will bring wonders in your life if you are patient and your spirit is humble.

To further address your question, I will share a public email that I received from Bernie James, a former colleague of mine in the School of Law at Pepperdine University. The entire message below is the word of encouragement that he recently shared with me. I hope it will inspire, comfort, and encourage you too.

Blessings and all the best, Andrei

Road Trip by Bernie James

All my spiritual life, I think constantly of being home with the Lord and especially of beholding the face of Him whom I serve in life. I am on a spiritual road trip toward Heaven.

Two of the roads that I must travel because they lead to a joyful, successful road trip are named Goodness and Forgiveness. Scripture warns that if I am not kind to others for whom the road of life gets too steep, then God will not be kind to me. So too, I am told to forgive seventy times seven – in other words – to not count the times I forgive someone.

To avoid the roadblocks in my spiritual road trip I must love my neighbor. It is simply my passport to life.

— “Mercy triumphs over judgment.” — James 2:13.
— “Small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” — Matthew 7:14.
— “In the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” — Matthew 7:2.

Is there a scripture or a Bible story that provides greater affirmation for you during challenging times? I’ve been traversing a dark valley during this recent season and my heart is heavy. — John

A: Dear John,

We all, every single one of us, experience darker valleys at different times in our lives. Don’t lose hope. Persevere.

There are many scriptures in the Bible that provide consolation, inspiration, and affirmation. You could say that the entire Bible is one macro narrative that is divinely authored to precisely encourage and affirm those who believe in God. I have been pointed to Psalm 91 on several occasions during some challenging times in my life.

I pray that God’s words and promises as channeled through Psalm 91 will lift your spirit up. It was written for you too. Keep on keeping on.Tomorrow will be better. There is a mountain peak after this valley. Take courage and see with the eyes of faith.

Blessings and all the best, Andrei

PSALM 91 (NIV)

1Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”

3Surely he will save you
from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
4He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
8You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.

9If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”
and you make the Most High your dwelling,
10no harm will overtake you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
11For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
12they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

14“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
16With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation.”