Making A Difference - By Fractions : The Brave, Silent Ones

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Making A Difference - By Fractions - FACIN8

The Brave, Silent Ones
(6 comments)
April 24, 2008, 7:23 PM
Giving isn't the easiest thing for us to do. It takes effort, whether we are donating money or our time for a cause. There is a very special breed out there that juggles work, having a secular life along with finding the time volunteer to help in the community. These people spend their evenings planning functions, showing up for events, working functions when they would rather be attending. These are the people who the bible calls "servants of others" who enjoy the soul giving that come from helping other people and serving for the greater good.

I have made it a personal mission to start to be a volunteer, to start serving others, in my quest for personal growth. I have met many people who have opened their hearts and found in it the ability to be the silent givers of our community. These are the ones who show up to set up, who give the gift of time and planning for our venues, who help out when they see a need. These are the people who do not get thanks, who don't get recognized for all they do, who help make each function we attend, special and well run. The ones who attend every function so that the masses are there, who work on causes that should be near and dear to all of hearts, toiling many hours. These are the ones who also work in the non-profit field for less than standard pay, because they believe in what they do. These are the ones that are the first to rally to a cause.

The question that I face is what do I give? How can I complain about the issues in my community if I do not take an active part in changing it? How do I go about creating the change that I want to see? It is by showing up, by being there, by fighting alongside my brothers and sisters, even in the little things. It is by being at each event, by giving of my time and money to help, it is about acknowledging that change is created by each brick that we either build or tear down. It is in the little things that we do. It is by fighting apathy in every moment. It is by helping those who are already in the ditches fighting our collective battles. It is by learning, watching and, most of all, doing!

We are in a war of our lives, for our lives. Whether it is for the rights of all women, for our gay community, for the causes that are near and dear to each of our hearts, no matter what they are, we need to show up, ready to dig in and help!

If you know of someone in your circle who is a volunteer, thank them, spend a moment and see what they do and maybe, even just maybe, ask how you can help! You might surprise yourself and enjoy it, even if it is only for one function a month. Share the weight of change and see how much you are changed in the process. And as you volunteer, remember to smile and enjoy your gift, it is a wonderful feeling, giving just to give!
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Comments

By silverbonn November 4, 2009, 2:59 AM
First, re: 'dtartist"'s comment RE: "our" (it's a "woman's thing," primarily)difficulty "we" have in receiving... "Obsessed" w/ dolphins, from an early age, if I may share a stroy about dolphin-behavior, I think may be of value, here... Mammals, who live in "pods" (the loose equivalent of our "clans" and/or "tribes"), they are, of course, oxygen breathers. Should a dolphin become unconscious, ill or otherwise unable to float on the surface for air, the dolphins in its "pod" gather 'round and support the afflicted dolphin, keeping it afloat until the afflicted one is able to do so on its own (or dies). While the obvious lesson is we all must support one another, the more obscure lesson is as follows: The afflicted dolphin does not struggle & flail about, thereby making it's helpers' support attempts more difficult-- Instead s/he "lays back in the 'arms' of its 'friends'" (pod-mates), and lets her/himself be supported. Ie, the dolphin doesn't 'say,' "Let me alone! I'm okay! I don't need anyone's help...!" etc. Instead, it recognizes all dolphins, at some point in their lives, will be in a dependant position and acts (and allows others) to behave accordingly. Were dolphins able to communicate 'better' w/ us, I'm certain what they'd ask: 1-) "What have you done to our OCEANS? (and after not getting a satisfactory answer to that question), 2-) "What are you doing to each other? May we all learn what our Mother's creatures have to teach, soon... before humanity passes... In closing, "Dear FACIN08," your post reminds me of one of my favorite Dalai Lama quotes: "If you wish to find yourself, do so, in service, to others..." Great posts, "Sister-Friends!" "Love & Light!" --Silver
By Lourdes-Adela June 17, 2009, 9:16 AM
great post! if you feel this is a "quest for personal growth" i am sure that in olivia you will find many that will follow you.think of something you will like to do...something that you feel passionate about and form a group...and do it. i will be there with you.
By dtartist May 23, 2009, 9:48 PM
I beg to differ with you on your opening sentence. I believe giving is the easy part. Receiving is most difficult for so many of us. We give of ourselves in so many ways naturally and when it comes to being on the receiving end, it becomes most uncomfortable. It is important to realize that for the cycle to continue and grow, we must allow reception from others who are giving to us as well as contribute to the giving of ourselves. One sided giving or receiving is not healthy for all involved. So don't forget to allow others the pleasure of giving by humbly receiving what is offered to you!
By tinar April 6, 2009, 6:10 PM
Volunteering is a great thing.I only have a problem with companies or organization,who want volunteers to work as if it's a salaried position or try and fill what would be salaried jobs with volunteers. I belong to a volunteer organization for our local Parks/Recreation Department & I set my limits of what I can/will do to help. When I retire I hope to get involved more but it will be at my discretion not what a organizer feels I should be able to give,why retire if your going to volunteer full time ?
By SimplyQueer June 9, 2008, 9:05 PM
Thank you for this great post! Volunteering really only takes a little bit of effort, in most cases, and the rewards are numerous!! Alex www.simplyqueer.com
By simbaaaa May 27, 2008, 12:12 AM
Thank you for the gift of recognition for volunteer workers like myself. When I read it I felt understood for the first time in a long time. You are a gift....

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