WE ALL NEED SOME INSPIRATION by Rector Chris Girata
WE ALL NEED SOME INSPIRATION was published in the Katy Trail Weekly, "The Good Word" Column, September 11, 2020
Chris Girata is the Rector of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in Dallas, TX.
I have the privilege of speaking with and hearing from so many people who care about their community. Members of my church, as well as those outside my church, tell me stories all the time about small ways in which they help people around them. These stories refresh and restore me, but I’m aware that most people don’t get to hear these stories as often as I do, which is why I was so pleased to see the recent D Magazine feature, “Front Line Heroes.”
In the best of times, life isn’t easy. Now, when life is so much harder, we all need some inspiration.
Each year, the magazine seeks to honor a community hero, but this year, with all the uncertainty around us, they opted to honor a group of people. These individuals are heroes, often unsung, who work hard every day to make a positive impact on the world around them. One of the heroes featured is a good friend of mine, Evelyn Amaya, from Jubilee Park and Community Center.
Jubilee Park is a neighborhood just north of Fair Park in southeast Dallas. For more than 20 years, the neighborhood has been slowly moving toward a new level of health and vitality. When I saw Amaya featured as a frontline hero, I was thrilled. She has been part of team that has spear-headed a quick response during this pandemic. Food collection and distribution is a daily challenge, but one that she executes with grace and optimism. She is one of the countless people in our community who get up every day and commit themselves to making a positive impact on others, without seeking anything in return.
... in times like these, I am thankful that we can find people who are helping pretty easily.
As I read through the rest of the article, I was moved by the imagination, determination, and commitment of so many. This kind of article is always limited, excluding more than it can include. In fact, the writers revealed that more than 900 people had been nominated, and for every nominee, there are dozens who weren’t nominated that do good work in quiet, meaningful ways.
When I imagine how many people keep moving with hope and determination in the face of such challenges, I’m reminded of the very well-known quote from Fred Rogers: ““When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” The world definitely seems scarier to most, and in times like these, I am thankful that we can find people who are helping pretty easily.
For those of you who read this column regularly, you know that I value action and today will be no different. When we take action, physically moving and working and sharing and giving to those in our community, we make an impact for the good. I hope that today, you will heed the invitation to become a helper and make a difference. No deed, no amount of kindness and no act of love is too small. Make a small impact today and you will feel more hopeful tomorrow.
"The Good Word" Column is published bi-weekly, and can be picked up at the Saint Michael South Entrance.
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