If you have something to say...
Say it on the Huffington Post
If you have something to say...
Say it on the Huffington Post
This may be the defining quote in today's community service movement. But if Dr. King were alive today, what would he think of our culture of service? How would he respond to the great disconnect that often exists between faith and service?
Is this really what the idea of volunteering at a soup kitchen is all about? Those who donate their time are undoubtedly responsible for positive Christmas or Thanksgiving spirit, but the charity is cheapened by immature competitiveness amongst them.
When we consider the great tasks in front of us, we easily freeze not knowing where to start, because we can not be sure that we will see the end of our work. Rabbi Tarfon reminds us that engaging in the task is most important.
Should we really consider keeping poor children in 'poor-ish' settings, for fear that they may otherwise become too removed from where they came?
I only hope that after you read this, you will think twice then next time you eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and appreciate the fact that you can enjoy this more often than many others...
There are tens of thousands of service jobs available. And more and more young people -- and their parents -- are recognizing the opportunities for personal growth and the benefits of engaging in our communities.
One of the more recent additions to the themes at this time of year is "Giving Back." It's important to have an "Attitude of Gratitude" and remember the "Reason for the Season." This is all lovely, but you know what people really hear? "Here's more pressure."
During the holiday season, it's easy to get carried away with the hustle and bustle of holiday gatherings, and shopping for gifts. We believe that it is important that we pause during this time to notice the good that is happening all around us.
The holidays give us a moment to strengthen our bonds with family and show our thanks for all the blessings we normally take for granted. In the face of continued financial hardship, it's also a reminder to make the most of what we have.
Make better sense of the Mumbai madness by adding some structure to your trip.
I'm one terrified senior citizen! I'm scared of the Tea Party, Grover Norquist, John Boehner and the Wayne LaPierre's press conference. I'm scared of the fiscal cliff, even though I have no idea what it is and most of all I'm terrified when I hear my Social Security and Medicare are "on the table."
Am I doing enough to help others? Am I doing everything I can to assist people less fortunate than myself? Is there more I could be doing to make an impact on my community and my world?
When Hurricane Sandy was approaching the eastern seaboard of the United States, the American Red Cross was already making the preparations to respond to the communities that were in the path of the devastating storm.
I'm here because I'm trying to live a life that matters. Because my father, the best man I've ever known, died suddenly, a heart attack stealing his life. I'm here because it seems I'll never be a father myself. And so I find myself asking questions.
Whenever I asked our daughter what she wanted for either Christmas or her birthday, the answer was always the same: "a puppy." Though my husband and I are dog lovers, we could not grant her heart's desire of a forever-young puppy. Fortunately, we found another way to honor her wish.
The holiday season is a time to reflect. For me, I'm especially thankful for ongoing pediatric cancer research that enables the lives of children like Ishani to be saved.
