Deliberate Escape

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service

We all can do more.

We live in a society that hopefully is starting to change a bit, even if it’s a slow process, people are becoming more aware and hopefully mindful of the needs around them.

Every day, there are stories on the news or posts we see on Facebook that bears witness to so much hardship and heartache. Sometimes, with all the streaming, it could cause us to become immune to what is going on in the world. At times it seems too overwhelming, that it is easier to shut it out. But, we must not fall victim to apathy. We all can contribute, something.

During Sunday service at my church this week, the PC3 congregation was challenged to get involved with an organization in our local community that might make a difference in lives through service. This can be a difficult step for many of us to make. Not because we don’t want to help others, but that initial step, in most areas, is always the hardest.

But why is it so hard? Was does insecurity creep into everything we do?

I think its time to look beyond our fears and just take a step, not even a leap, and follow through with an organization of your choice that will have a positive effect on someone outside your immediate world.

There are so many ways to do something. You can donate financially to an organization. You can sponsor a child overseas or in your local community. There are people literally desperate for help. Maybe its time to move outside your comfort zone and make a difference?

I took this picture yesterday at the Good Shepherd Center. This organization has such a positive impact on our community. It provides meals and shelter for those in need. For breakfast on Monday, we prepared a fabulous meal of grits (and they are some of the best grits in town), fresh scrambled eggs, buttery croissants (warmed in the oven), canned fruit, sliced cheese (for the grits, of course), cold cereal, pastries, yogurt, orange juice, and coffee. It was a pleasure to serve these fellow citizens of my community. I’ve been so fortunate all my life. I am so happy that I can do a little something. It doesn’t require that much of my time, but with a few extra hands, such a meal is offered to my neighbors. All the food is donated by local stores, but it requires staff to coordinate the services and volunteers to execute the process.

When I was raising my kids and taught either Sunday School or Pioneer Girls at my church, although it was difficult at times, I received as much, if not more, than what I was offering. There is something that you receive when you give yourself that is different from obtaining a paycheck for employment. The reward is different, and typically it is always worth what you put in, and then some.



So, I challenge you to do something. It doesn’t matter how big or small it is. Help another human being. Stretch yourself and expand your scope and the reward will be plentiful.