How To Stop Underestimating Your Ability To Help Someone in Need
Well, we’ve made it past the halfway mark in examining the Ten Barriers That Block Christians From Serving segment as part of the It’s YOUR Serve series.
Are you learning some things about yourself?
I know I am.
How are you feeling so far?
I know. I feel it, too.
Introspection is never easy.
None of us enjoy holding the mirror up to ourselves and taking a good long look.
It can be scary. Especially, when we learn things about ourselves that are less than desirable.
Consider this: I am learning right along with you.
As is anyone else reading this article.
It’s okay. We’re in this together.
Today, in Part 7 of our series, we are going to talk back to negative self-talk.
Underestimating Our Ability To Help
When I scan through the Rolodex of memories in my life and search under “S” for Servant’s Heart, one person comes to mind immediately, “Mr. Carl.”
After graduating high school, I worked along with my parents at the same nonprofit organization in my tiny hometown. Mr. Carl was one of our board members, but in reality, he was so much more.
Mr. Carl did whatever was needed whenever it was needed. From driving the donation truck to collect gently used items to be sold in the organization’s resale shop to assembling furniture to fundraising to serving in the soup kitchen or leading small groups in the rehabilitation program, he did it all.
And that was just his day job.
After thirty-plus years of military service (and a few extras in the civilian sector for good measure), Mr. Carl showed absolutely no signs of slowing up after his second retirement.
Once a year, Mr. Carl would take several months of sabbatical that he genuinely referred to as vacation. During these breaks, he would travel on mission trips, building churches all over the world.
Most of us would consider these excursions as anything but a “holiday.” (I know my personal ideas of vacation are vastly different).
As a young person, looking at Mr. Carl’s example, I felt a bit well, inept. And intimidated. I mean, even his time off was spent in service of others!
Avoiding the Comparison Trap
Oftentimes we see others accomplishing majestic feats of service, such as repeated mission trips, and we feel as though we have nothing to offer in comparison.
Beware of the comparison trap! Acts of service do not have to be grand gestures. Even the smallest acts of kindness can carry the greatest weight.
The simple act of handing out bottles of water on a hot day to someone struggling with home insecurity goes much further than quenching thirst. It demonstrates compassion by recognizing as humans, we all have a basic need to be seen and to know we matter. That we are all God’s children, worthy of unconditional love and care.
Avi & Ishaan Patel of Under My Umbrella
Coming Up
Join us for our next blog post in the It’s YOUR Serve series where we invite you over for a slice of pie, humble pie that is.
Let’s Keep In Touch
Be sure you do not miss a blog post by signing up for my email list, liking my Facebook or Instagram pages, or subscribing to my YouTube channel.
Like what you see here? Sharing is caring!
Blessings,
Kimberly
IOH Mom
This website is not a professional counseling website and nothing here should be construed as professional counseling advice. Although Kimberly Bennett, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor, she is not your counselor, and no counselor-client relationship is established unless she has signed an agreement with you. All information provided through this website is for informational and educational purposes only. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure statement. Thanks for visiting!
