Beyond Thoughts and Prayers: A Conversation with Sharon Eubank

Oct 29, 2025

In a compelling discussion, Sharon Eubank, Director of Latter-day Saint Charities and author of 'Doing Small Things with Great Love', dives into the ethics of humanitarian work. She sheds light on the concept of the 'second disaster', where well-intentioned aid can inadvertently cause harm. Sharon emphasizes the power of local relationships and the importance of respecting dignity. With practical steps for immediate action, she encourages listeners to think critically about how they can make a real impact in their communities.

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INSIGHT

Small Acts Compose Big Impact

Big humanitarian efforts are often many small acts strung together.
Sharon says most powerful help happens where you live, through consistent small acts.

ANECDOTE

Red Slippers Restored Dignity

Sharon's mother knitted slippers for Sarajevo and a recipient later said new socks made her feel human again.
That example showed a small gift given at the right time can restore dignity.

INSIGHT

Avoid Creating A Second Disaster

Unsolicited physical donations can become a "second disaster" if they overwhelm local capacity.
Ask what is needed, who will distribute it, and the right timing before sending goods.

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Today, we’re sharing a conversation that feels especially urgent. In fact, we’d planned to release this episode later in the month—but this week, as a major hurricane moves through the Caribbean and the U.S. government shutdown is causing massively disruptive ripples in the daily life of countless families, we know so many are asking, What can I do?

We hope this conversation offers real practical guidance and clarity for getting to work today.

We’re joined by Sharon Eubank, author of the new book Doing Small Things with Great Love: How Everyday Humanitarians Are Changing the World.

Sharon has spent decades in humanitarian work around the globe, and now works as the director of Latter-day Saint Charities. In this conversation, she shares what her experience has taught her about ethical, lasting, and impactful relief.

We were struck by this term, “the second disaster." Sharon explains how, all too often, well-meaning aid can actually become a second disaster—doing more harm, complicating and even obstructing urgent relief efforts. But she offers some surprisingly simple and practical ways to ensure that what we give and how we serve is genuinely helpful.

As our hearts turn to the Caribbean, this feels especially important—but the principles Sharon shares are just as vital at home. She explains why she believes we’re most effective where we live, how relationships and trusted networks form the foundation of lasting change, and why honoring agency and dignity is essential to any effort—whether local or global.

Sharon shared so many incredible insights—things that energized us to be helpers, and that empowered us to get started. We hope that in this time of deep need, fear, and urgency, that this episode will help you to recognize where you feel called, and help you know what to do first.

Resources to use to find reputable organizations to support:

https://www.charitynavigator.org
https://www.charitywatch.org/our-charity-rating-process
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/charity-commission

Order That We Might Have Joy anywhere books are sold! Available as a paperback, ebook, or audiobook.