Minute for Mission - FUMC November 18, 8:00 am

It's not about you. In Biloxi, this message was constantly drilled into our minds, and rightfully so. Nobody wants a bunch of volunteers complaining about how their lunch didn't taste good, or how much they want a better bed. For many, including myself, this transformation was difficult. In everyday life we are constantly worrying about ourselves, what errands do have to do? When do have to wake up? Who do have to meet with? By being a part of a volunteer group, you learn to forget all those questions, and focus on others, and what they need. Surprisingly, once you can forget about yourself, everything is easier, the minor problems that you worry about at home are forgotten, which allows you to have the freedom to embrace the experience. By doing so, you can help others, and secondarily learn about yourself. Personally, Biloxi was a chance for me to be charitable, as well as escape the pressures of everyday life. As volunteers in a struggling community, we saw and heard tragic stories that we are never faced with at home. Hearing these changes who we are, and forces us to see just how privileged a life we live. We learn about ourselves just as much as we learn about others. We wonder, would I have done that for that man? Could I survive if I lost all my possessions? The answer may be yes or no, depending on the question, but the knowledge gained is consistently invaluable. On my trip to Biloxi, I learned that all people need people, everybody needs a hand once in a while, and that charity is the best gift you can give.

--Madeline O'Rear