More time on your hands
Intentionally Serving the Poor
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Using your unique talent to serve others is a rewarding experience. And it's something only YOU can do. So get out there and do what you do best - for others. God wasn't kidding when God said to care about the poor - to recognize your own poverty - to walk alongside your sisters and brothers in need. I just don't get why it has taken me so long to really take all that seriously enough to be INTENTIONAL about building interactions with the poor into my life. That's what I've been trying to do in this past year of living in Nashville. So I started asking people who lived here what was going on to serve people who didn't have much. And I heard about the Nashville Rescue Mission. I'm a musician, and I believe I'm called to take the healing power of music to the poor. So when I went on the website and filled out the volunteer sheet (it's easy to sign up), and contacted Bobby Nichols, the volunteer coordinator, and others, I knew I wanted to volunteer in the chapel by leading and speaking. I wanted to encourage these people and remind them that they matter. And, hearing 300 guys in the chapel singing "I Surrender All", or knowing that there are 80 guys upstairs, going through the 6 month rehab program - there's nothing like it. But, I also like going and serving lunch to and with the homeless (you can help at any meal for 2-hour shifts). It's great to talk with them and to learn about life from those less fortunate. And hopefully, just by showing up and taking them seriously, I can remind them that they matter. The center I go to is just for men, but there are things female volunteers can do. And there is a women's and children's shelter nearby that has many opportunities to serve as well. It's great. It's easy to sign up. It's challenging to go, and smile, and engage. But you can do it. And you'll feel blessed.
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