I'm starting to feel like I am an activist. Do I have the right to call myself that if I have never gotten arrested for my activism? I try to keep aware of all the plights of the world... I share a lot on twitter and facebook, I suppose that counts for something.
No, to be honest I think I am somewhere in-between. Let's face it, I am part of the ME-generation. I am living with my parents who were gracious enough to let me live here with free (Though I still contribute to the household!) room and board... I own more crap than I know what to do with... my time is limited, but it is my own. I was born and raised in the 1st world, and it is hard for me to give up my comforts. Yet, I work with my own hands to serve people, what money I can give I do, and more and more my time is given to my church, my family, and my community.
Tonight I went to the local humane society and offered my services as a photographer. The amount of space in that building is to small for all of the cats they have. They have all but completely waived the adoption fee in order to promote saving as many cats as they can. Unfortunately they might have to start euthanizing soon. They do have a staff member who is taking pictures of the adoptive animals but if she needs or wants help than I want to be that person.
On October 29th I ran a race for freedom. You can see the recap video here. It was amazing, and something I want to continue to do for charity. I will hopefully put something about it together for myself and post it here.
About a month ago, I began volunteering for my church's youth group. At least half of the kids who come on Wednesday nights come from broken families. The second week I showed up, a girl pulled me aside after and together the youth paster and I had a talk with her. High schoolers are calling this beautiful girl a B****. Seriously. She does not know why, but they have continuously called her foul words and ostracized her. This is not my world. For the past four years, love and support was freely given. It has been years since I have been negatively teased and bullied. Being with these kids has put me out of my comfort zone. It is good, because not only do they help me to see how far I have come, but so I can show them that things change. What seems so horrible and unforgiving will become the past, feelings will be cast aside. What a difference a few years makes.
On September 8th, I gained a child through World Vision. I hope to one day meet her and listen to her story. But for now, I pray that she is well and taken care of.
Then there's SAT-7, started on July 27th. Oh maaaannnnn. I feel like I could talk about SAT-7 forever now. Yes, I know that I work there. But I have learned so much about the Middle East and North Africa. I get so passionate about the people now. I honestly and truly love them, even with so many faults and crazy stories about extremists. I am so glad to be a part of something that inspires people to live a better life. To search for the plug to that hole in their soul. God truly is moving over there through SAT-7. Go Jesus! :)
I still have so many goals and dreams when it comes to helping people. Look up statistics of poverty, drug violence and human trafficking. It makes me sick. It has moved me to get off my butt and work to do at least a little bit of something. Will you let your awareness move you?
Tell me about your story and passion. How you are using it for good? I end with this. Give. Tell. Go!
No, to be honest I think I am somewhere in-between. Let's face it, I am part of the ME-generation. I am living with my parents who were gracious enough to let me live here with free (Though I still contribute to the household!) room and board... I own more crap than I know what to do with... my time is limited, but it is my own. I was born and raised in the 1st world, and it is hard for me to give up my comforts. Yet, I work with my own hands to serve people, what money I can give I do, and more and more my time is given to my church, my family, and my community.
Tonight I went to the local humane society and offered my services as a photographer. The amount of space in that building is to small for all of the cats they have. They have all but completely waived the adoption fee in order to promote saving as many cats as they can. Unfortunately they might have to start euthanizing soon. They do have a staff member who is taking pictures of the adoptive animals but if she needs or wants help than I want to be that person.
On October 29th I ran a race for freedom. You can see the recap video here. It was amazing, and something I want to continue to do for charity. I will hopefully put something about it together for myself and post it here.
About a month ago, I began volunteering for my church's youth group. At least half of the kids who come on Wednesday nights come from broken families. The second week I showed up, a girl pulled me aside after and together the youth paster and I had a talk with her. High schoolers are calling this beautiful girl a B****. Seriously. She does not know why, but they have continuously called her foul words and ostracized her. This is not my world. For the past four years, love and support was freely given. It has been years since I have been negatively teased and bullied. Being with these kids has put me out of my comfort zone. It is good, because not only do they help me to see how far I have come, but so I can show them that things change. What seems so horrible and unforgiving will become the past, feelings will be cast aside. What a difference a few years makes.
On September 8th, I gained a child through World Vision. I hope to one day meet her and listen to her story. But for now, I pray that she is well and taken care of.
Then there's SAT-7, started on July 27th. Oh maaaannnnn. I feel like I could talk about SAT-7 forever now. Yes, I know that I work there. But I have learned so much about the Middle East and North Africa. I get so passionate about the people now. I honestly and truly love them, even with so many faults and crazy stories about extremists. I am so glad to be a part of something that inspires people to live a better life. To search for the plug to that hole in their soul. God truly is moving over there through SAT-7. Go Jesus! :)
I still have so many goals and dreams when it comes to helping people. Look up statistics of poverty, drug violence and human trafficking. It makes me sick. It has moved me to get off my butt and work to do at least a little bit of something. Will you let your awareness move you?
Tell me about your story and passion. How you are using it for good? I end with this. Give. Tell. Go!
I don't think you are an activist Beth. I just think God has given you are great heart and desire to help those people of the world--and to tell others about it. Because we blessed people as Christians--we should all be helping. And when you see those in need, you want to share it with others, because it impacts you so greatly! And you want others to be touched like that too.
ReplyDeleteAwww, you are so precious! Thanks, what an encouraging comment! :)
ReplyDeleteBeth, thanks for sharing your journey! It sounds like you've really applied yourself as of late, I know we at Forgotten Voices certainly appreciate all your retweets!
ReplyDeleteI'm excited to see how God continues to use you to enact positive change and show his love!
Brian
Thanks Brian! It's been great to hear more about Forgotten Voices, and I can definitely see God working through your organization.
ReplyDeleteAppreciate you reading! :)