Real Life Real Faith Wisdom for Everyday Life January Issue | Page 16

DEAR SCOTT

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE
FOR SOMEONE LATELY?
SCOTT BARKER
It comes to mind that being of service
needs to be an “every day” thing. I convinced
myself of this many years ago. Today, every
day, I look for ways to serve others that will
benefit themselves and others into the future.
Until someone I didn’t know reached out
and gave me a hug one day, I never knew it
could be so powerful. Selfless acts of
kindness for those in need, whether they
admit it or not, can go a long way into turning
someone into a person that feels worthy and
appreciated.
Being a Christian doesn’t just mean going to
church and then on to breakfast later, it means
DOING for others without expecting something in
return. The “What’s in it for me” attitude doesn’t exist
in the Bible, therefore, it should not exist in you or
anyone else.
Sure, I always wanted something in return like
most of us have. I found out quickly that attitude
wasn’t who I am, or was for that matter.
I soul-searched and began to understand that I had
a heart, not unlike the Tin Man from the Wizard of
Oz. I only needed to find out how to make it
tick…and I did!

I had found my lifeline, giving of myself and my
means to others. I posted on a popular Social
Network in October of 2015 the following:
“I wonder what the world would be like if we all
shared our resources, talents and knowledge?”
You see, being Christian isn’t about what country
you live in, what race you were born into or how
many THINGS you have…It’s about what you can, will
and have done for others that is positive and selfless.
I dare you to do any of the following and see for
yourself the positive affect you can have on
someone:
Smile beamingly at a stranger that needs it
Hug someone sincerely that needs a ‘pick me up’
Listen, really listen to someone that needs to be
heard
Help someone across the street
Mentor an adult or child
Pay for a stranger’s groceries
Show your sincere gratitude to anyone that helps
you
And, most of all, please, be the Christian God
intended you to be.
Written by Scott T. Barker
Children’s Author and Poet