Depression

While I was surfing the internet I came across this quote:

Depression is like a tornado, there’s nothing you can do but sit and wait; and finally when the storm is over you are left with the destruction and the exhaustion from fighting a losing battle. Its consuming. But it does get better, it always does. Have Faith.

I disagree. Depression is like a freight train coming at you. You hear the whistles and feel the rumbling; yet you feel helpless. You feel anchored by things you cannot control. However, once you become liberated through faith and love you are then able to move. You simply step aside and the train goes by.

Discovering our Gifts

Through my life journey so far one of the things that I have spent a great deal of time thinking about is my personal gifts. That is, what are they? How can I use them to sustain a healthy life while giving back to the community that I wish to serve?

The answer that I have settled on is based on personal interest. If you find something that you genuinely enjoy, your gift has been found. Granted, of course, that is not dangerous to yourself or others. Any interest can be turned into a career; stay the course and it can be done. Remember, no one has interests like yours and no one can take those interests and turn them into gifts like you can.

You are unique, so are your gifts, talents, and goals. I do not believe there is anything holding us back, except ourselves.

Pay it Forward

So the adventure begins (actually it has already begun) and I spent this past weekend visiting Wesley Seminary in D.C. During my visit I was scheduled to interview for merit-based financial aide. In all, the visit went very well and the financial aide office has agreed to reward me with a substantial amount of assistance, approximately 2/3 of my tuition will be paid for.

To be honest it is all a bit overwhelming. I have discussed the idea with many of my friends, colleagues and family members the idea of blessings. My common question is "why me?" I have always been puzzled as to why so many great things are happening to me when I feel there are those who are more deserving.

This question, of course, is part of a greater mystery of faith. That is, why things occur the way they do. I have read many different perspectives and have had many discussions, many of which make sense to me. What needs to be remembered, however, is that in the end this is broken thought and beyond our understanding. In the end, the scenario remains the same regardless of our conclusions. Thus, we need to take these blessings and use them to further our Mission.

In the film "Pay it Forward" the main character creates a project for himself in which he does something big for someone he doesn't know. Then, that person will do the same for the next person and so on. I believe this is part of our calling, not only as Christians, but also as people in general. You do not need to believe in Christ, or God for that matter, to take these initiatives and help those less fortunate.

I have been blessed with many things and I want to use this post to remind myself to take these blessings and pass them on. To become a blessing for someone else, to pay it forward.