How does your culture shape your perception of strength? I believe culture has focused so much on "self care" and finding strength within yourself. Culture has had such an individualistic view of strength and encouraging solitude in order to regain strength and peace. While there is some truth to that and some time of reflection is necessary - isolation is not the key to strength. We are strong when we link arms, love our brothers and sisters, and build a team around us that love and encourage us.
Who is a female role model in your life and why? My mom is my biggest role model. I still remember her encouraging me to tithe to the church on money I made from picking up leaves in the yard. At a young age, she taught me how to give and why it's important. She is still the most giving, kind, and humble individual I know. She took some time with her husband and lived in a little RV so they could help with disaster relief organizations. They have never been rich in possession but they are the richest people I know.
What’s one thing someone could do today to make them stronger? Giving is one of the best ways we can strengthen ourselves. Giving to someone else bonds you to another person so you strengthen your relationships and friendships - and I believe we aren't just strong on our own. We are strong because of our support systems - our family, our friends, our faith. Strength is never a one man band - it's an orchestra.
Rachel’s Intentional Act of Kindness
How did you use the $100? I felt pretty strongly for a few days to give my $100 to my worship pastor and his wife. I knew they had been dealing with a lot lately, I just wasn't aware of the full scope of things. After speaking with the wife more I found out they had been sick for quite some time, had overwhelming medical bills, and she had felt discouraged. I knew right away I was to bless them with this money. It was amazing to be able to bless such an important part of our body of Christ here in Colorado Springs. They are a crucial part to our church family and it was an incredible blessing to extend my appreciation for them in that way. She was so grateful. Giving really brings people together in a special way.
By giving this money to them it opened up conversation to the extent of the hardships they have been facing. I am usually someone who loves to give to the poor - more so people who are hungry and living on the streets - so it was a bit of a stretch for me to give to someone who I felt was very blessed - and they are. But I know God used this to bring us even more into our church family and build our relationship with our leaders. They give out so much spiritually and I think we overlook sometimes how much our church leaders need. We can assume they have people they confide in or they are "good." But if everyone is thinking that then they can get overlooked.
What was the 'Intentional Act of Kindness' process like for you? It helped me to see the needs in the people I'm closer to - even though they may not need a roof over their head or food on their table - we have a role to encourage and build up our neighbors. The word my husband and I are living by this year is hospitality - and more so in our church body. This felt like a stepping stone for us to step into this new role God has us in for this season. We are still passionate about giving to the poor and serving in Haiti - but I am glad the Lord has planted us in such an amazing church family and is teaching us how to serve in our home.