You know when parents say time flies, but in the back of your head you are not really thinking it does. Well, it does. It feels like yesterday I was walking in the front door, wondering aimlessly for my desk. Three months later, I leave a place that taught me more than it will ever know.
Today, American Idol visited the Voice at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, and it hit me this was my final event at this great place. From getting lost in the parking garage to seeing the smiles on kids' faces, the hospital showed me what life is all about.
You see in this place is a plethora of doctors and nurses who have one goal in mind. All they care about is being there for the child they are supposed to take care of. This selfless mindset is something that I think we all can learn from. They work long, tiring hours and see children in some terrible conditions, but they never stop striving to bring happiness back into a child's life.
The kids. I am so thankful I was able to spend some incredible moments with children who forever changed my life. There really is nothing like seeing a child who is suffering. It is not easy. Some parents are there day in and day out right by their child's side as they battle each day. These kids never give up though. Some days are worse than others, but they continue to smile and never take for granted each day in their life. The images of these kids I will take with me as I leave this place, and their determination to never give up is a characteristic I can only hope to have for the rest of my life.
To my colleagues, you have made this the best environment to work in. I never once felt like I was going to "work" because of the constant laughs, great times and encouraging nature each and every one of you had with me during my time. You took a chance with me and for that I am grateful to you. I have learned so much in such a short period of time and will take these skills with me the rest of my life.
I think the best two words that can wrap up my experience at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta is thank you. Thank you for giving me experiences that I could never have imagined. Thank you for showing me what it is to work an environment that is uplifting and full of people who truly care about one another.
The final thank you goes out to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It was this time last year that the first thoughts began of where do I see myself next summer. Little did I know, he knew the entire time. Through all the second-guessing, he never once waivered from his plan for me. He knew the amazing people I would get to meet and places I would get to go, but in the back of my mind it was so tough for me to trust him. A year later, now all I can do is smile and laugh at the times I doubted him. As this chapter comes to a close, this next year is going to be the end of a lot of things, but the same Father who knew exactly where I was going to be this summer will never go away.
As the quote says, "All good things must come to an end." Thank you Children's for making this the best summer of my life.
"We give praise and thanks to You, O God, we praise and give
thanks; Your wondrous works declare that Your Name is near and they who invoke
Your Name rehearse Your wonders." Psalm 75:1
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Lessons Learned #1
For my last three posts of the summer, I think it is fitting to recap the invaluable lessons I have learned during my time at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. I have learned and been given so much through this opportunity that it is tough to see it wind down.
This past week had to be one of my favorite weeks of the summer. 95.5 FM and AM 750 News/Talk WSB Care-a-thon took place on Thursday and Friday. During the 37 hours, listeners helped raise more than $1.5 million to support the services and research at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. I do not know about you, but that number is mind-blowing to me. It is amazing to see, even in some difficult financial times, people come together in support of bringing hope to kids' lives.
There are so many countless stories during the coverage that I will never forget, but one small one really stuck out to me. A group of guys who worked together at an auto shop were greeted one morning by Scott Slade. In his hands, he held breakfast for the guys. He brought them the breakfast because they were one of the winners of the contest. Little did he know, the group of workers handed him a big stack of one-dollar bills. These guys did not have much, but each worker gave a little of what they had because they wanted to be a part of a place that saves the lives of children. What if we all lived our life with this perspective?
In an earlier post, I touched on the idea of control and how I struggle with trying to control every ounce of my life. This internship really has taught me about freedom from the beginning. It is amazing what the Lord can do through an individual who takes a step out of their comfort zone and takes a step forward.
Healthcare? Really? I knew nothing about healthcare. Check against me. A business setting? I had never been in a real business setting for more than a day. Another check against me. Not to mention I did not know anyone. Another check against me.
However, none of these things mattered. It was time for me to take a step outside of my boundaries and give my best to something I knew nothing about. You see the Lord takes our weaknesses and is glorified through them.
Yes, there is still so much to learn about healthcare. Yes, you can probably ask my colleagues that I am probably not the best in a business setting, but this summer I have seen firsthand how the Lord blesses us with the freedom to explore new things and areas of our life that we never think are possible.
During these 12 weeks, I have been able to work with some of the most talented people. I have been able to go to events and see things that I could have only dreamed of seeing. Looking back, this could only have been possible through the Lord who is loving enough to allow me to see firsthand what it means to live in freedom.
Phillpians 4:13 says it best: "I can do all things through him who gives me strength."
This past week had to be one of my favorite weeks of the summer. 95.5 FM and AM 750 News/Talk WSB Care-a-thon took place on Thursday and Friday. During the 37 hours, listeners helped raise more than $1.5 million to support the services and research at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. I do not know about you, but that number is mind-blowing to me. It is amazing to see, even in some difficult financial times, people come together in support of bringing hope to kids' lives.
There are so many countless stories during the coverage that I will never forget, but one small one really stuck out to me. A group of guys who worked together at an auto shop were greeted one morning by Scott Slade. In his hands, he held breakfast for the guys. He brought them the breakfast because they were one of the winners of the contest. Little did he know, the group of workers handed him a big stack of one-dollar bills. These guys did not have much, but each worker gave a little of what they had because they wanted to be a part of a place that saves the lives of children. What if we all lived our life with this perspective?
In an earlier post, I touched on the idea of control and how I struggle with trying to control every ounce of my life. This internship really has taught me about freedom from the beginning. It is amazing what the Lord can do through an individual who takes a step out of their comfort zone and takes a step forward.
Healthcare? Really? I knew nothing about healthcare. Check against me. A business setting? I had never been in a real business setting for more than a day. Another check against me. Not to mention I did not know anyone. Another check against me.
However, none of these things mattered. It was time for me to take a step outside of my boundaries and give my best to something I knew nothing about. You see the Lord takes our weaknesses and is glorified through them.
Yes, there is still so much to learn about healthcare. Yes, you can probably ask my colleagues that I am probably not the best in a business setting, but this summer I have seen firsthand how the Lord blesses us with the freedom to explore new things and areas of our life that we never think are possible.
During these 12 weeks, I have been able to work with some of the most talented people. I have been able to go to events and see things that I could have only dreamed of seeing. Looking back, this could only have been possible through the Lord who is loving enough to allow me to see firsthand what it means to live in freedom.
Phillpians 4:13 says it best: "I can do all things through him who gives me strength."
Sunday, July 22, 2012
The Question So Many People Ask.....Why?
First off, my apologies go out for not updating this blog in two weeks. Yes, that is the definition of a slacker so I apologize for that.
The past two weeks have consisted of some needed beach time with the family, busy days at work, and enjoying what God is teaching me this summer.
Last Tuesday, my family and I headed to Hilton Head Island to spend some time in the sun and sand. It was unreal to enjoy God's creation and kick back and relax with the family. Let's just say I did not go hungry either. Seafood turns out is my weakness to say the least.
At Children's, everything is in full force with the summer beginning to wind down and the dreaded days of school upon us. These past few weeks have quickly flown by preparing for WSB's Care-a-thon on Thursday and Friday. I cannot wait to hear the stories of people helping out the Aflac Blood Disorders and Cancer Center this week. So many lives have been saved from this incredible place, and the money raised goes a long way to help children now and in the future.
Also, this Thursday is the Cobb County Family Fun Day. I have had the opportunity to work with this event from the beginning and am looking forward to meeting all the children who have been through some tough times but have never given up. This is a day they get to show off how much they have learned through the rehabilitiation they have been given at Children's.
It is tough to believe I am entering the final three weeks of my internship. I never realized how much I would truly learn during my time spent at Children's this summer. It is time to finish strong.
The past two weeks the Lord has been teaching me some things through tragedy.
Life is but an instant. We are never guaranteed another day. This past week seeing the tragedy in Colorado reiterated that.
The Bible says it clearly that we are "nothing more than mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes."
I had a person ask me one question that seemed to be on everyone's mind Friday morning when they heard the news. Why?
Why would anyone do such a horrible thing to so many innocent people?
I was reading story after story about the details that continued to unfold, but one story stuck in my head above the rest.
A mother of two girls took her children to see the midnight premiere of the "Dark Knight Rises" and little did she know what she was in store for. When the shooting began, she laid on top of her daughters trying to guard them from the shooter. She and her daughters were able to escape, and her response to the situation is something I will never forget.
She was asked the question, "Do you still believe in a merciful God?"
She answered, "Yes."
She went on to say, "Why would you think such a tragedy would make me question the goodness of God. If anything, both of my girls said it made Him a much more real presence to them....He is not the cause of evil, but He is the one who can bring comfort and peace in the midst of evil...Overall, we are praising God and resting in His goodness."
God is always good just like this woman explains. Unfortunately, man is not. It could have been easy for this woman to say this is God's fault, but she is continuing to praise Him. You see God brings beauty from ashes and shows his goodness even in the most difficult circumstances.
There was one evil act, but the acts of kindness afterwards illustrate the goodness and love Christ showers us with everyday.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims in Colorado. I pray that even in this difficult time that the Lord can be used in miraculous ways to heal and comfort these families.
Psalms 56:3-4 says "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?"
The past two weeks have consisted of some needed beach time with the family, busy days at work, and enjoying what God is teaching me this summer.
Last Tuesday, my family and I headed to Hilton Head Island to spend some time in the sun and sand. It was unreal to enjoy God's creation and kick back and relax with the family. Let's just say I did not go hungry either. Seafood turns out is my weakness to say the least.
At Children's, everything is in full force with the summer beginning to wind down and the dreaded days of school upon us. These past few weeks have quickly flown by preparing for WSB's Care-a-thon on Thursday and Friday. I cannot wait to hear the stories of people helping out the Aflac Blood Disorders and Cancer Center this week. So many lives have been saved from this incredible place, and the money raised goes a long way to help children now and in the future.
Also, this Thursday is the Cobb County Family Fun Day. I have had the opportunity to work with this event from the beginning and am looking forward to meeting all the children who have been through some tough times but have never given up. This is a day they get to show off how much they have learned through the rehabilitiation they have been given at Children's.
It is tough to believe I am entering the final three weeks of my internship. I never realized how much I would truly learn during my time spent at Children's this summer. It is time to finish strong.
The past two weeks the Lord has been teaching me some things through tragedy.
Life is but an instant. We are never guaranteed another day. This past week seeing the tragedy in Colorado reiterated that.
The Bible says it clearly that we are "nothing more than mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes."
I had a person ask me one question that seemed to be on everyone's mind Friday morning when they heard the news. Why?
Why would anyone do such a horrible thing to so many innocent people?
I was reading story after story about the details that continued to unfold, but one story stuck in my head above the rest.
A mother of two girls took her children to see the midnight premiere of the "Dark Knight Rises" and little did she know what she was in store for. When the shooting began, she laid on top of her daughters trying to guard them from the shooter. She and her daughters were able to escape, and her response to the situation is something I will never forget.
She was asked the question, "Do you still believe in a merciful God?"
She answered, "Yes."
She went on to say, "Why would you think such a tragedy would make me question the goodness of God. If anything, both of my girls said it made Him a much more real presence to them....He is not the cause of evil, but He is the one who can bring comfort and peace in the midst of evil...Overall, we are praising God and resting in His goodness."
God is always good just like this woman explains. Unfortunately, man is not. It could have been easy for this woman to say this is God's fault, but she is continuing to praise Him. You see God brings beauty from ashes and shows his goodness even in the most difficult circumstances.
There was one evil act, but the acts of kindness afterwards illustrate the goodness and love Christ showers us with everyday.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims in Colorado. I pray that even in this difficult time that the Lord can be used in miraculous ways to heal and comfort these families.
Psalms 56:3-4 says "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?"
Sunday, July 8, 2012
We Are Blessed With the Ultimate Freedom
When it comes to holidays, there really is nothing like July 4th.
There is the smell of fresh hot dogs and hamburgers right off the grill. There is the sight of American flags flying prevalent on every corner. There are the fireworks soaring high, as patriotic songs play in the background.There are the smiles on each person's face, as they gather around family for this special holiday.
My July 4th started off at the Peachtree Road Race. Okay, the 5:45 alarm was not the greatest start to my day off, but the ability to run with over 55,000 people made up for it. This was by far the best race I have run in so far due to the thousands of people alongside the road cheering us on.
After the race, the ice bags could not come fast enough. I knew it was going to be a rough next couple of days.
At Children's this week, it was a busy week reviewing the busy month of June we had. Now, our attention turns to the 12th-annual Care-a-thon that takes place at the end of this month. This is an event hosted by WSB on-air personalities Neal Boortz, Clark Howard and Scott Slade where listeners are able to hear the stories of the patients and families impacted by the Aflac Cancer Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. All the money raised during this 37-hour event benefits the Aflac Cancer Center.
Each year, I cannot help but be reminded of the freedom we are blessed to have in the United States. We have a freedom here that so many people around the world would die to have. This freedom is in thanks to the men and women who have laid down their lives for this great country.
This great freedom reminded me this week of the freedom I am blessed to have in Christ.
It is crazy to think how many times in my past I have messed up, but I am so fortunate to have a Lord and Savior that does not turn away from me but rescues me.
“Because He loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for He acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.” Psalm 91:14-15
Because he loves him, He is my freedom and the one who sets me free.
Galatians 5:1 says it best:
"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."
Fear of our past or our future cannot paralyze us because of the freedom that is available in Christ. He offers a freedom that forgives and restores as we turn to Him.
I pray this week that we can remember this. I pray that we can see the comfort available in the arms of Jesus Christ. Most importantly, I hope we can see the sufficiency in God's grace that is found in the freedom of our Heavenly Father.
That is the ultimate freedom.
There is the smell of fresh hot dogs and hamburgers right off the grill. There is the sight of American flags flying prevalent on every corner. There are the fireworks soaring high, as patriotic songs play in the background.There are the smiles on each person's face, as they gather around family for this special holiday.
My July 4th started off at the Peachtree Road Race. Okay, the 5:45 alarm was not the greatest start to my day off, but the ability to run with over 55,000 people made up for it. This was by far the best race I have run in so far due to the thousands of people alongside the road cheering us on.
After the race, the ice bags could not come fast enough. I knew it was going to be a rough next couple of days.
At Children's this week, it was a busy week reviewing the busy month of June we had. Now, our attention turns to the 12th-annual Care-a-thon that takes place at the end of this month. This is an event hosted by WSB on-air personalities Neal Boortz, Clark Howard and Scott Slade where listeners are able to hear the stories of the patients and families impacted by the Aflac Cancer Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. All the money raised during this 37-hour event benefits the Aflac Cancer Center.
Each year, I cannot help but be reminded of the freedom we are blessed to have in the United States. We have a freedom here that so many people around the world would die to have. This freedom is in thanks to the men and women who have laid down their lives for this great country.
This great freedom reminded me this week of the freedom I am blessed to have in Christ.
It is crazy to think how many times in my past I have messed up, but I am so fortunate to have a Lord and Savior that does not turn away from me but rescues me.
“Because He loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for He acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.” Psalm 91:14-15
Because he loves him, He is my freedom and the one who sets me free.
Galatians 5:1 says it best:
"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."
Fear of our past or our future cannot paralyze us because of the freedom that is available in Christ. He offers a freedom that forgives and restores as we turn to Him.
I pray this week that we can remember this. I pray that we can see the comfort available in the arms of Jesus Christ. Most importantly, I hope we can see the sufficiency in God's grace that is found in the freedom of our Heavenly Father.
That is the ultimate freedom.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Halfway Done?
As the school year came to a close, my internship at Children's could not get here fast enough. Five weeks later, I want this summer to do nothing but slow down.
I have found a place at Children's that I love. I enjoy getting up every day to go to work at a place that has given me the opportunity of a lifetime.
This past week was full of events for Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. The week began at Phillips Arena for an Atlanta Dream game. Thousands of kids filled the arena as they were treated to a Dream win on Tuesday afternoon. Before the game, I was able to tour Phillips Arena and go behind the scenes on what it takes to make an event happen at the arena.
On Thursday, former UGA football players David Greene and the Stinchcomb brothers visited the Zone at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite to visit the kids and promote their events coming up that benefit both Children's and the Georgia Transplant Foundation.
The Stinchcomb brothers and I reminisced on former Parkview High School moments where many championships were won on Friday nights. It is amazing to witness how far they have come since those teenage days.
With a busy week at Children's, the Lord showed himself in so many ways. Obedience is something I have always struggled with. Each day, I try to work hard in everything I do. This mindset gets me in trouble sometimes because I forget to take the time to listen.
The Lord says, "Be still and know that I am God."
This week the Lord taught me to be a doer of the Word. 2 John 1:6 says it perfectly....
"And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it."
It is so easy to get caught up in our timing, our way. Taking a moment to listen to the Lord's commandment is pure obedience. We are surrounded with so many people pushing us in so many directions that is tough to drown out the noise.
This week the Lord has repeated to me his timing is everything. Jesus asks for complete obedience.
This is not just giving up a little to Him, but everything.
It really hit home this morning when I realized it is not necessary that I understand completely what God is doing, but our job is to completely do what God is asking us to do.
In the end, this is the perfect and pleasing will God has for our life.
I have found a place at Children's that I love. I enjoy getting up every day to go to work at a place that has given me the opportunity of a lifetime.
This past week was full of events for Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. The week began at Phillips Arena for an Atlanta Dream game. Thousands of kids filled the arena as they were treated to a Dream win on Tuesday afternoon. Before the game, I was able to tour Phillips Arena and go behind the scenes on what it takes to make an event happen at the arena.
On Thursday, former UGA football players David Greene and the Stinchcomb brothers visited the Zone at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite to visit the kids and promote their events coming up that benefit both Children's and the Georgia Transplant Foundation.
The Stinchcomb brothers and I reminisced on former Parkview High School moments where many championships were won on Friday nights. It is amazing to witness how far they have come since those teenage days.
With a busy week at Children's, the Lord showed himself in so many ways. Obedience is something I have always struggled with. Each day, I try to work hard in everything I do. This mindset gets me in trouble sometimes because I forget to take the time to listen.
The Lord says, "Be still and know that I am God."
This week the Lord taught me to be a doer of the Word. 2 John 1:6 says it perfectly....
"And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it."
It is so easy to get caught up in our timing, our way. Taking a moment to listen to the Lord's commandment is pure obedience. We are surrounded with so many people pushing us in so many directions that is tough to drown out the noise.
This week the Lord has repeated to me his timing is everything. Jesus asks for complete obedience.
This is not just giving up a little to Him, but everything.
It really hit home this morning when I realized it is not necessary that I understand completely what God is doing, but our job is to completely do what God is asking us to do.
In the end, this is the perfect and pleasing will God has for our life.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
When All Else Fails: Keep Fighting
Another week has gone by and for the first time I am asking the question.....where has the summer gone?
I feel like it was yesterday when I walked aimlessly into Children's for the first time wondering what this summer had in store. Yes, the first week contained me getting lost, forgetting people's names and people probably wondering who is this kid?
What I did not realize was how much I was going to learn and do in a matter of four weeks. Somehow my great team has allowed me to go to numerous shoots, a Braves game, the Zoo and meet countless individuals who have impacted people of all ages.
I know the fellow interns can agree with me on this when I say there really is never a dull moment at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.
Yes, I may have to take naps many days because my body is still not used to getting up at 6:00, but this is what I love. I love the fast-paced environment of children every single day coming into the hospital needing your help. I am blessed.
Sitting at home one day this week, I heard the news of a teenage boy battling leukemia at Children's. A good friend of mine kept me updated all week on his condition. Each day, his condition continued to worsen until finally the doctor said there was nothing else he could medically do to keep him alive.
On Thursday, this teenage boy was released to go home for the final time. Sadly, yesterday he passed away. My friend could not say enough great things about this young man. He was a teenager who genuinely cared for the people around him and never stopped smiling.
My friend later described how he fought to the very end and never gave up. His body had failed him, but that love and kind spirit he showed until the very end was never forgotten.
He found strength and comfort in his Heavenly Father who is our sole provider. The Lord never wavered from his side even through the toughest moments. He was there with him each and every breath up until his last.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 says praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
Life is so fragile, but let us never forget we have a Father who is always there.
I feel like it was yesterday when I walked aimlessly into Children's for the first time wondering what this summer had in store. Yes, the first week contained me getting lost, forgetting people's names and people probably wondering who is this kid?
What I did not realize was how much I was going to learn and do in a matter of four weeks. Somehow my great team has allowed me to go to numerous shoots, a Braves game, the Zoo and meet countless individuals who have impacted people of all ages.
I know the fellow interns can agree with me on this when I say there really is never a dull moment at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.
Yes, I may have to take naps many days because my body is still not used to getting up at 6:00, but this is what I love. I love the fast-paced environment of children every single day coming into the hospital needing your help. I am blessed.
Sitting at home one day this week, I heard the news of a teenage boy battling leukemia at Children's. A good friend of mine kept me updated all week on his condition. Each day, his condition continued to worsen until finally the doctor said there was nothing else he could medically do to keep him alive.
On Thursday, this teenage boy was released to go home for the final time. Sadly, yesterday he passed away. My friend could not say enough great things about this young man. He was a teenager who genuinely cared for the people around him and never stopped smiling.
My friend later described how he fought to the very end and never gave up. His body had failed him, but that love and kind spirit he showed until the very end was never forgotten.
He found strength and comfort in his Heavenly Father who is our sole provider. The Lord never wavered from his side even through the toughest moments. He was there with him each and every breath up until his last.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 says praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
Life is so fragile, but let us never forget we have a Father who is always there.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Looking Through Another Person's Eyes
What a week.
I have got to say I have an incredible team of people to work with. Their constant patience with me never goes unnoticed, and I am truly grateful to them for creating an uplifting atmosphere where there is nothing but smiles and constant words of encouragement.
This week was jam-packed getting ready for events, learning Vocus and soaking up all the knowledge I can about this great place.
Last night was my first event with Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. We had patients' families enjoy a relaxing evening at the Atlanta Zoo. They were able to see all the amazing animals and eat pretty good food if I say so myself. You could tell each and every one of the children were having a great night.
One point in the night I was able to talk with a family who had a 7 year-old girl who had
two liver transplants at a young age. The girl never stopped smiling as she danced to each song the DJ played. Another child that evening had undergone an open heart surgery at a young age. These kids were true fighters.
As I was leaving the event and remembering all the children I had met that night, I couldn't help but think back to how my life would have been different if I had gone through the circumstances these children had to overcome so early on in life.
You see we don't know another person's story. We don't know what other people have gone through in their life. From the outside, these girls looked like any other 7-year-olds running around and playing. Instead, these girls have been through so much and another day for them is never guaranteed.
It got me to thinking. I have no idea what another person is going through in their life. People could be going through family struggles, illness, financial insecurity or various other problems that you could never see from the outside.
The question that hit home in my mind was when was the last time I tried to get to know someone else's story or the problems weighing on their life right now? A while.
You see you will never know what it means to another person when you might go up and see how he or she may be doing. Taking a second to listen to their thoughts and how you may help is genuinely caring for someone and sometimes that is what makes all the difference.
Galatians 6:2 says it best.
"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
Bearing another person's burden's and standing by their side even in the toughest moments is what we are called to do. This is the kind of love we have been shown by Christ.
Lets start looking through another person's eyes and genuinely be there for others because we have no idea what another person may be going through.
I have got to say I have an incredible team of people to work with. Their constant patience with me never goes unnoticed, and I am truly grateful to them for creating an uplifting atmosphere where there is nothing but smiles and constant words of encouragement.
This week was jam-packed getting ready for events, learning Vocus and soaking up all the knowledge I can about this great place.
Last night was my first event with Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. We had patients' families enjoy a relaxing evening at the Atlanta Zoo. They were able to see all the amazing animals and eat pretty good food if I say so myself. You could tell each and every one of the children were having a great night.
One point in the night I was able to talk with a family who had a 7 year-old girl who had
two liver transplants at a young age. The girl never stopped smiling as she danced to each song the DJ played. Another child that evening had undergone an open heart surgery at a young age. These kids were true fighters.
As I was leaving the event and remembering all the children I had met that night, I couldn't help but think back to how my life would have been different if I had gone through the circumstances these children had to overcome so early on in life.
You see we don't know another person's story. We don't know what other people have gone through in their life. From the outside, these girls looked like any other 7-year-olds running around and playing. Instead, these girls have been through so much and another day for them is never guaranteed.
It got me to thinking. I have no idea what another person is going through in their life. People could be going through family struggles, illness, financial insecurity or various other problems that you could never see from the outside.
The question that hit home in my mind was when was the last time I tried to get to know someone else's story or the problems weighing on their life right now? A while.
You see you will never know what it means to another person when you might go up and see how he or she may be doing. Taking a second to listen to their thoughts and how you may help is genuinely caring for someone and sometimes that is what makes all the difference.
Galatians 6:2 says it best.
"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
Bearing another person's burden's and standing by their side even in the toughest moments is what we are called to do. This is the kind of love we have been shown by Christ.
Lets start looking through another person's eyes and genuinely be there for others because we have no idea what another person may be going through.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
What Keeps You Going?
We sometimes get in a rut. Sometimes we get tired of doing the same thing every single day. That is human nature.
I was at that stage. At the end of the school year, the complaining started because I was "tired" of what I was doing every single day. I did not look at the bigger picture, but instead was consumed in the hours of studying and meetings I needed a break from.
I remember the first day at orientation sitting down and talking with a few employees. I was expecting to hear they had been there a couple of months or a couple of years, but everyone I talked to said they were going on their 10th, 15th, 24th year at Children's....Yep for many wondering that is more years than I have been alive.
My next question was simple....What keeps you going?
I write down everything, and his response was simple. The people. He went on to describe the lives of the people he has been able to make better. These memories keep him going.
This past week at a meeting they showed the story of a young girl. She was diagnosed with stage four cancer. The doctors found a large tumor behind her liver. It spread quickly, but thankfully the doctors were able to stop the cancer from spreading for the meantime through chemotherapy. She was not done however. She had a relapse and went through a second round of chemotherapy. After excruciating treatment, she was singing and full of life, grinning from ear to ear.
Watching that story, I went back to thinking about my colleague's answer on what kept him going. It is stories like this young girl that keep employees at Children going.
I was driving home this week from work reminiscing on this story. I could not help but ask what kept me going?
You see life is precious. I remember graduating elementary school, thinking I was all cool in middle school and saying good-bye to my parents as they drove off at the University of Georgia. The crazy thing is all these moments feel like yesterday.
With this short amount of time we have on this Earth, we are called to have a sense of urgency. This sense of urgency is for the people around us. Similar to the response my colleague had earlier, we are here for other people.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 says it best.
"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away."
We are here to serve God who has loved us so much and thus love others in that same genuine and authentic way.
Next time you may be in a rut remember the stories you have heard like the young girl's above. Remember that we called to be here for others and love one another. In the end, that is what should keep us going.
I was at that stage. At the end of the school year, the complaining started because I was "tired" of what I was doing every single day. I did not look at the bigger picture, but instead was consumed in the hours of studying and meetings I needed a break from.
I remember the first day at orientation sitting down and talking with a few employees. I was expecting to hear they had been there a couple of months or a couple of years, but everyone I talked to said they were going on their 10th, 15th, 24th year at Children's....Yep for many wondering that is more years than I have been alive.
My next question was simple....What keeps you going?
I write down everything, and his response was simple. The people. He went on to describe the lives of the people he has been able to make better. These memories keep him going.
This past week at a meeting they showed the story of a young girl. She was diagnosed with stage four cancer. The doctors found a large tumor behind her liver. It spread quickly, but thankfully the doctors were able to stop the cancer from spreading for the meantime through chemotherapy. She was not done however. She had a relapse and went through a second round of chemotherapy. After excruciating treatment, she was singing and full of life, grinning from ear to ear.
Watching that story, I went back to thinking about my colleague's answer on what kept him going. It is stories like this young girl that keep employees at Children going.
I was driving home this week from work reminiscing on this story. I could not help but ask what kept me going?
You see life is precious. I remember graduating elementary school, thinking I was all cool in middle school and saying good-bye to my parents as they drove off at the University of Georgia. The crazy thing is all these moments feel like yesterday.
With this short amount of time we have on this Earth, we are called to have a sense of urgency. This sense of urgency is for the people around us. Similar to the response my colleague had earlier, we are here for other people.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 says it best.
"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away."
We are here to serve God who has loved us so much and thus love others in that same genuine and authentic way.
Next time you may be in a rut remember the stories you have heard like the young girl's above. Remember that we called to be here for others and love one another. In the end, that is what should keep us going.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Learning through Children
Children. Yeah, they are known for spilling things and being a little clumsy at times but sometimes we overlook the many lessons of life we can learn from them. This week I had the opportunity to see firsthand the impact that children can have on people around them.
I was priviledged enough this week to tour the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Beforehand, I really did not know what to expect. Walking down the hallways, it was a sight that I will never forget.
Children were grinning from ear to ear. Many of the children were receiving chemotherapy or getting tests down with wires dangling from many parts of their body. You would have never known it. There were no tears but instead pure joy as the doctors were right by their side.
On the bottom floor of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston, there is a place called The Voice where patients can come learn about radio and select a song they would like to hear throughout the hospital. The guest that day was a childhood cancer survivor from California.
Talking with the girl and her mother, I found out how incredibly hard it is for a patient to be going through cancer. There were so many days where the mother could only use the word agonizing to describe how hard it was to see her daugher go through this at such a young age.
From the struggle of chemotherapy to now graduating high school and moving on to Pepperdine University, she is giving hope to many children across the country.
Isn't it is amazing the example that children can give us when there are moments in our life that just seem unmanageable? They remind us that even in the toughest moments perseverance and joy are things we should always exhibit.
Ouch. This one hit me hard. Am I showing joy in every moment of my life? Am I persevering when things get a little tough?
This is a lesson we can all learn from children who have pushed through agonizing moments with a smile on their face.
James 1:2-4 says it wonderfully.
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
The next time you go through a hard time are you going to count it as joy?
It is amazing what we can learn through children.
I was priviledged enough this week to tour the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Beforehand, I really did not know what to expect. Walking down the hallways, it was a sight that I will never forget.
Children were grinning from ear to ear. Many of the children were receiving chemotherapy or getting tests down with wires dangling from many parts of their body. You would have never known it. There were no tears but instead pure joy as the doctors were right by their side.
On the bottom floor of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston, there is a place called The Voice where patients can come learn about radio and select a song they would like to hear throughout the hospital. The guest that day was a childhood cancer survivor from California.
Talking with the girl and her mother, I found out how incredibly hard it is for a patient to be going through cancer. There were so many days where the mother could only use the word agonizing to describe how hard it was to see her daugher go through this at such a young age.
From the struggle of chemotherapy to now graduating high school and moving on to Pepperdine University, she is giving hope to many children across the country.
Isn't it is amazing the example that children can give us when there are moments in our life that just seem unmanageable? They remind us that even in the toughest moments perseverance and joy are things we should always exhibit.
Ouch. This one hit me hard. Am I showing joy in every moment of my life? Am I persevering when things get a little tough?
This is a lesson we can all learn from children who have pushed through agonizing moments with a smile on their face.
James 1:2-4 says it wonderfully.
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
The next time you go through a hard time are you going to count it as joy?
It is amazing what we can learn through children.
Monday, May 28, 2012
Knowing He is in Control
Control. It is a word that often many people like myself struggle with. I have to be in control of every situation at all times. It can be at a job, class, or schedule for the day. I have to know what is going on today and in the future. You see when you think you are in control God has other plans like He showed me this past semester.
During the months of March and April, nothing seemed to be going my way. It was one "I am sorry thank you for your consideration with this internship, but we have moved on to other candidates" after the other. I remember one night sitting on my bed asking God why this is happening to me. Everyone was going on trips across the world or had internships in top corporations, but I was left at a stand still.
Good news came into my life during the last week of April when I received a call from Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. An employee that worked in the Marketing/PR department said the words I had been waiting to hear for months now. "We would like to offer you the job."
Yes I may have started hugging my friend who was next to me, but the relief and excitement was uncontainable at this moment. All of this is to say that even in the most discouraging moments and the hardest times God has a plan. His plan for us is greater than anything we can ever imagine and sometimes you have to go through struggles to get to his end goal. Jeremiah 29:11 says it clearly:
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Walking into my first day at the job, I was apprehensive. Okay, apprehensive may be putting it lightly. I was sweating profusely from my hands and praying no one had to experience it when they shook my hand. Everything was put at ease when I met the team, however. Everyone was so welcoming and exuded excitement about their job.
You see at Children's everyone truly cares about kids. They put themselves second to make sure that kids no matter what they are going through have support and incredible doctors who will get them through.
I sat down at my desk and smiled. I knew after meeting everyone and beginning to understand their hearts that this was the place God had in store for me the entire time.
That leads me back to control. I have no idea what this summer entails at Children's. No idea the people I will meet or the impact the children will have on my life. All I know is God is in control. He has placed in my life a team of people who are going to support me and has given me a job where I get to have a positive impact on the lives of children. I am truly blessed.
This summer is in the Lord's hands. He has got me, and I cannot wait to see what He has in store for me. With a lot of hard work and making sure everything I do is for the betterment of these kids, there is no telling the impact this summer will have in my life. The biggest thing is knowing He is always in control.
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28
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