Selfless Faith

A friend of mine posted the following on his facebook page:

Ponder:  What is the difference between "faith" and "selfless faith"?  Where do I expend the majority of my faith?  Do I spend more time believing for me, myself and I or believing for others?

This definitely gave me something to really reflect upon.

I have been humbled seeing people from all walks of life still coming together helping those who have lost so much due to Hurricane Sandy for almost two months already.  So many are still displaced; if fortunate – they are staying with family, if unfortunate – they are staying in make-shift shelters in school auditoriums, cafeterias, churches, etc.; many of which are beginning to close and families still having no place to live.

So many are willing to serve and give all without needed recognition.  I’ve read stories, seen news clippings, and heard personal stories about some who totally lost their homes, and yet continue to work tirelessly helping others who are worse off than themselves.

So where is my heart?  Am I praying for my protection – or the protection of others?  Am I reaching to God for blessings and favor for myself – or for others?  The faith that I hold so dear, and believe so strongly with all my heart – is it a selfless faith?

With the destruction of this massive hurricane, I’ve been given an opportunity to look deep in my heart – serve others – reach out with physical needs, emotional needs, and spiritual needs.  An opportunity to live my faith – show others the servant’s heart of my Lord & Savior - walk the walk and let his light shine through me.

I believe throughout our life, we are all given opportunities such as these to truly see our faith in action.  Whether or not we are actual victims of such disasters or not – it’s a time to see whether we have “faith” or “selfless faith.”

Where is my heart and am I living a selfless faith?

My community organized a disaster relief program, collecting much needed items for those affected by Hurricane Sandy.



While staying with me due to losing power for 14 days, my Dad had the opportunity with me to help others as well.

 



Adelphi U. students sorted donations for delivery to areas damaged by Hurricane Sandy.



North Shore Animal League America deployed their emergency response team early as the hurricane made landfall.  They dispatched two mobile units, which offered safety to pets of those staying in shelters that did not allow pets.  The mobile units provided peace of mind and assurance for evacuees that their pets were taken care of, and close by.

I served some meals to my elderly neighbors – opening up a chance to visit and let them know they are thought of and cared for. This also helped calm a very anxious woman who was much stressed hearing about Hurricane Sandy repeatedly on the news.

 



The Bowery Mission organized an event in conjunction with the Queens Pastors Network and served 1,650 Thanksgiving meals in the Hurricane Sandy-affected areas of Far Rockaway, Rockaway, and Coney Island! Members of my church volunteered to help with The Bowery Mission in Rockaway as well.