Yesterday our church spread out all over Jonesboro to serve our community. I was part of a team that went to support an effort our friends at First Baptist had already begun. We did a mini-VBS with the kids and served lunch to anyone who showed up.
Now, before I say anything else, I should tell you I didn't really do anything. I went into this event feeling like I should step back and observe because there was something for me to learn. And boy did I.
I had invited some ladies to come with me to the event and they were very happy to join in and help. They are members of our church, but tend to keep to themselves mostly and not because they are strange or try to isolate themselves. I think it's because they just don't get asked. Know anybody like that in your church? If you don't, I suggest you look around next Sunday.
These ladies arrived at the complex with me, but took off ahead of me as I waited for others. Before I knew it, I looked up and saw them wearing gloves and walking all over the apartment grounds picking up trash. The interesting contrast was that I saw many of the "involved" members of our church standing around talking to each other sort of lost on what to do.
Now, I am not being judgmental at all. I am grateful for each person that gave of their time and even showed up. Many of us, me included, are stepping out into unknown territory and have quickly become experts at hand-wringing. There's an adjustment that has to happen when you step out of your bubble. God never said that his work would just come naturally to us. It takes time and there is a learning curve. And we certainly had far more volunteers than tasks.
My point is, while God is the only one who can truly know, there are some moments we get a glimpse into the hearts' of others . These ladies are servants and I am humbled by their fearlessness to just walk into a situation, see a need, and start taking care of it. No muss, no fuss. Those are my gals.
Each of you have people in your life that you don't invite to things like this. Sure, you've probably invited them to worship, but that's an immediate turn off for what I would guess is the majority. However, we live in a time where most have a sense of social responsibility and do like to volunteer.
So here's your chance friends! Engage the people around you and give them a chance to show you what kind of heart they have. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.
And a big thank you to those that led all of the events around town yesterday, especially Meagan Cremeens for putting ours together and being a great example of leadership to our young women. You can read her latest blog post at: http://inthenameoflovelaughterandliving.blogspot.com/2012/04/you-love-for-me-to-sing-to-you.html?spref=fb
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