Last night was filled with discussions about serving, about humility, and about doing for others. We gathered as we usually do around a candle to remind us of God's presence and we could smell the warm bread.
We began with our readings and prayers http://breadforyourjourney.blogspot.com/
Humility, was our first topic. In Mark's lesson Jesus points our that it does not matter who is the greatest what matters is how you serve others. How do you encourage and serve others throughout your life. This past week Kanye West stole Taylor Swifts moment at the Video Music Awards because he felt Beyonce was more deserving of the award. There was a great deal of coverage of this moment but not as much coverage of Beyonce's responce. So here is the link to it: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1621540/20090915/knowles_beyonce.jhtml
During our discussion we noted that when Beyonce won for the Best Video of the year and when she came up to accept her award she spoke about her first award at 17 years of age and what a special moment that was so she wanted Taylor Swift to have her moment. Beyonce did not thank anyone but gave her time to Taylor. What a gracious and classy action. She truly put Taylor before herself. In our third reflection the Mayor of New Orleans thanks the youth who came to serve and Bishop Hanson very eloquently explained that the youth came to be Gods hands in New Orleans and thanked all the citizens of New Orleans for all they taught the gathering participants. In some ways I think humility is as simple as putting others needs ahead of our own. It is also about meeting people where they are, listening to their story and walking with them. This is not always easy to do. How have you been God's hands today?
One of the stories shared was a simple way to serve is to share a smile and or a conversation with someone who seems to be having a bad day. When you are in a store making a purchase do you share a smile and some conversation with the cashier? Do you notice the person before you and do you try and lift their mood if they seem down?
We know that serving others is not necessarily easy but as in Micah we are to "do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don't take yourself too seriously ." This brings me to Kenye West's apperance on the Jay Leno Show where Jay asks him the tough question, what would your mom say? check out the clip http://www.thrfeed.com/2009/09/first-leno-show-clip-kanyes-apology-video.html I give him a lot of credit for saying he needs to take some time to reflect on what happened. He is a person who believes in helping others and you can see this is an upsetting situation. What do you think?
Many of my friends serve the community and the world in a variety ways; putting causes they are interested in on their twitter page, creating new organizations for groups that have been marginalized, helping on a Habitat for Humanity build, baking bread for others, or sharing a smile. Their are so many ways to serve some only take a moment. Please consider serving others.
Please share your thoughts and comments. I would love to hear how and why you serve other?
