35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink;
I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me;
I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me….. “’
[Matthew 25:35-36 NKJV]
Jackie and I recently taught the Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course. The class was small but filled with much discussion about ways of caring and serving others. The following poem by Pete Hammond found in Lessons, Prayers & Scriptures on the faith Journey was shared as a discussion opener —
“Privileges”
We shower daily, while others bathe in dirty rivers occasionally.
We eat three meals a day, plus unneeded snacks, while others starve.
We sleep warm and soundly while others can never rest.
We have closets filled with unworn clothing, while others wear all they have each day.
We have extended families, while others live alone.
We own homes, sometimes more than one, while others are homeless.
We enjoy safety, while others live with death, war and violence daily.
We work or change jobs, while others beg for minimal survival.
We travel extensively and freely, while others live their whole lives where they were born.
We attend schools and continuing education, while others suffer illiteracy.
We make and protect retirement plans, while others die far too early in poverty.
We have extensive medical systems, while others have no health care and die early.
Unlike millions around the world, we North Americans are inordinately blessed,
tempted to assume our rights to these gifts, even fighting for them, and
frequently misusing these privileges which are on loan from God. (copied)
This poem reminds me of the many opportunities to help, serve, and share the love of Jesus Christ. Often we make excuses or put off doing things. This morning when I reached for sweetener for my coffee, yellow packets came these reminders written on them-
Every day is a NEW opportunity….
The best way to get there is to START….
The perfect moment is NOW
What an unexpected nudge to get started and do more!
Blessings,
Roxie
If you are interested in becoming a Certified Lay Servant or Certified Lay Speaker or would just like to take a course that would show ways that you can serve please contact:
Roxie Cauley at roxiemc51@yahoo.com or Jackie Attaway at jattaway@ec.rr.com
If you would like to view past editions of SOUNDS: From Jackie and Roxie, follow this link: https://sounddistrictnc.org/category/lay-servant-ministries/