Gentle Reader,
What I’m about to share isn’t shared to garner sympathy, so please don’t offer it.
Tonight I’m going to attended a volunteer orientation at a women’s shelter. I have no idea what to expect. I can’t think of a single thing that I can do to help these women and their children. They are experiencing a part of life that has never touched me. The idea of waking up without a home, without stability, while among my greatest fears, isn’t something that I can truly comprehend. I worry that it’s…pretentious or condescending to go to this orientation. I worry that they’ll think I’m full of myself, full of my own righteousness.
For almost two years now, I’ve felt a tug on my heart to go out and be the hands and feet of Jesus in some way. To offer…something to those who can’t give me anything in return. My time is limited because of work schedules and energy levels. I really don’t have a clue what this is going to look like. But I think it’s time to stop stalling. Delayed obedience is just disobedience, after all.
Martha, Martha,
If there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. – Philippians 2:1-4 (NKJV)
Go and do. Not because you have anything to offer. Not because you are better than anyone else. Not because you are afraid that you aren’t good enough.
Because God loves you.
For all of the posts in the 31 Days: Brave series, go here.
It thrills my heart to know you are going to a volunteer orientation! You are right:Do it because God loves you! I can tell you from first-hand experience that it will change you. Not having expectations is a good start because it opens your heart to the potential for loving these women “just as they are”. You will be amazed at what you receive in return! I do it because I CHOOSE to and I praise the Lord for giving me the opportunity to be His hands and feet!
LikeLike