I’m so thankful the holidays will soon be behind me. The joy of Christmas appeared in short spurts of time, but was never lasting and magical. It was my first Christmas without my mother, where I was single and my immediate family did not gather on Christmas Eve. Being alone on Christmas was at times depressing; however, I experienced humility by volunteering my time with the homeless and less fortunate at the Salvation Army’s Christmas Fest.
I did a good amount of praying before the event. I asked for the Lord to enlighten me, to calm any fears I had, to use my personality for his good and to soften my heart to those less fortunate. Boy did the Lord answer!
That morning I shook thousands of hands and gave hugs to children and adult of all ages, sex and race. I’ve always had a fear of the homeless; however, this experience calmed my trepidation. I saw these people as individuals and not as threats. I wanted to take away their pain and to spring joy into their Holiday. I plan to spend future holidays volunteering for the Salvation Army. The experience has opened my eyes to the need in Milwaukee County and has made me realize how narrow minded I am at times towards different groups of people.
So if life has you down, go out and do something selfless. You might learn more about who you are or find an area of your life that needs improvement.
I am glad you were able to confront your fears. People are simply that...People! No matter what race, nationality, or financial background they come from. At times, it can be intimidating..me being the only "colored" in the room at work, but I've learned how to close my eyes to race and I see everyone, no matter who they are or what color their skin is...as people. Glad I had the chance to share your experience on Christmas day! :)
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