Finding Yourself, By Giving of Yourself

In church this morning I heard a really awesome message from my pastor--and it was really a point of motivation and inspiration. I'm sure if any of you have read the Bible or your own religious book of scripture even once or heard anything about Jesus, the idea & power of sacrifice and truly submitting ones self to a higher calling is of utmost prudence. However, for some reason it really stuck to me this morning and I can't stop thinking about it. For many Christians lent is a time to give up something in preparation for Easter and the death & resurrection of Jesus Christ. Instead of simply giving up something, why not choose to do something. It is very important that we recognize there are many bad habits we should be working to give up every single day, but there are those habits in which many of us should be choosing to follow and accomplish everyday, mainly the act of service and giving to those who need us.

I think many times we forget about the trials and tribulations occurring to those who cannot lift themselves up, who have no hope or promise, or reason to live. And that should be the calling of many of us, to rise to that challenge and give of ourselves in a hope that those who are impoverished, are starving, who live without shelter or education, will gain a new life through our service to them and for them. In times of economic strife and hardship, it is easy to fully be concerned with our own vices, as we should partially, but lets not forget how we can really change the world. I applaud those who take up such admirable professions such as nursing, medicine, counseling, teaching, non-profit and faith-based community organizations, national and international service organizations, and so forth. These people are truly the back bone of our civilization and help to provide hope and promise to millions of people world wide. It is through them that we can still believe that the world is a better place, then many of us are led to believe.

So to those who are finishing up high school and college or even those who are older feel the need to make a difference, I ask you to challenge yourself-to truly think anew about how you can really change the world. Will you take a year off before grad school and visit a far away land to teach a young child English or help to build a clean water supply for an impoverished people? Will you join a national non-profit and work with low-income families so that they too can see the promise of America and what she has to offer to those who believe? We are all so young and yes life is short--but know that every second of your life has a purpose and it is up to you fulfill your true calling--whatever that may be. Take some time to evaluate who you are, who you want to become, what is your purpose and how you can be a truly positive and monumental impact in the lives of others in need. I promise that through this service and sacrifice you will come to know YOU more so than you ever have before.

JM


"Hungry not only for bread - but hungry for love. Naked not only for clothing - but naked for human dignity and respect. Homeless not only for want of a room of bricks - but homeless because of rejection."
--Mother Theresa
“The Roots of Violence: Wealth without work, Pleasure without conscience, Knowledge without character, Commerce without morality, Science without humanity, Worship without sacrifice, Politics without principles”
--Ghandi

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

-Jesus (Matthew 6:19-21)