Mission Monthly A monthly newsletter highlighting God’s work among the needy in Southeast Hillsborough County. ======================================================================== You May Quote Me On That! "Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." ~Attributed to Howard Thurman ======================================================================= A Moment to Reflect [The following is a Facebook entry of a young volunteer at the Good Samaritan Mission. This volunteer granted us permission to print it.] Making a Difference One smile. One word. One look. One life. Just one can make a difference. I’m learning what it means to live your life in freedom in just being you. The you God is masterfully perfecting. My life is unfolding and I see more of myself everyday in this journey of life with Jesus. I’m learning to become comfortable with my quietness, orderly perfectionism, and perfectly unplanned destination. I’m becoming a flow rider. A person with a desired goal and attacking it one day at a time. I’m seeing the impact of one second, one decision and one life. It’s not a matter of quantity, but of quality. It doesn’t matter how much we have to give because a little can go a long way. Simply, less is more. This summer I began my internship at the Good Samaritan Mission. My first day was full of joy to the point where I wanted to cry all day. I couldn’t see a person in need without being moved. I see and work with a wonderful staff with a vision. A vision that encompasses the purpose of sharing one self to bless others with more than just food or clothing. To bless someone with the love and guidance we ourselves receive from God. I finally finished a book I once picked up, read a little, and put back down. Well, this book I speak of is called Tuesday’s with Morrie. I couldn’t have picked it back up at a better moment than July. You should look into it. It changed my life and challenged me. Proceeding are a few questions that came to mind. How many of us truly live life? Do we truly share of ourselves with time and things that can’t be bought? I’ve experienced moments where I could have stopped what I was doing and said hello, smiled, or showed my appreciation of someone else. At my internship a young man named Jacob made an impact on my life. He took action, lead other volunteers, and spoke with passion. That passion was contagious. One morning in my business I passed by Jacob without even saying hello. Not long after he was rushed to the hospital with an eye virus which could have left him blind. As far as we knew he wouldn’t be returning to the Good Samaritan Mission. I was left with guilt for not acknowledging him and not telling him what an impact he’s made at the Mission. Gladly, I can say Jacob returned and I got to show my appreciation. What if I didn’t get that chance? Well, time would heal the guilt and his impact would go on forever. Honestly, we all have our share of woes and look back to see another milestone overcome. What would it be like to attain faith and strength through every storm? What would life be like to shine bright through every dark, bumpy trail? What would life be like when you hold your head high when worthless thoughts weigh you down? What if you took a stand when everything suggests there is no possible way? What would our lives be like then? What would life be like when we have hope beyond circumstance? What if every task is fought with success even if it means humbling, lowly places? Strength and endurance isn’t an inborn strength, but one that is born under such series of events that foretell who we truly are when life seems to catch us by surprise. I challenge you to take the road less traveled. Make a choice. Take a stand. Do the very thing you never thought you could. Wait and watch in expectancy of beautiful things just waiting to unravel. Life is a journey! Ride the wave. Feel the pain. Without it there is no gain. Close your eyes and see what you cannot see. Breath not just to breath, but to smell. Use your hands not just to feel, but to touch. The very things that make us uncomfortable are the very things we need to make us comfortable with ourselves and others. No matter where you are or what you are doing show love and gratitude. “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” -Winston Churchill
=============================================================================== Healthy Families through Purpose, Community and Gratitude The Good Samaritan Mission continues to fulfill its pledge to elevate, educate, and evangelize individuals and families in the community. We thank you for your continued prayers and on-going financial support for this unique ministry. We also invite you to drop by and see and experience for yourself what God is doing as He transforms the lives of both the giver and the receiver! Register to receive our quarterly newsletter by emailing us at:
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