This year we had the pleasure of having Jen Beachy as our Be the Change coordinator. Here is her reflection on the June 9th Be the Change day:
I was fortunate enough this year to be part of the leadership team for Be the Change. One of my roles involved reviewing registration forms and assigning volunteers to specific projects. As I sorted through each registration I was struck by the diversity represented. I was amazed by the businesses, organizations, and churches who encouraged people to serve. I was impressed by individuals who signed up with little to no connection to Beautiful Mess or the organizations we would be serving. I began to wonder, what motivated people to dedicate a significant portion of their Saturday in June to serve? Was it just because it’s a nice thing to do? Being the change we want to see in the world sounds really good! Yet, as I continued to reflect on interactions with volunteers and event participants, I realized that the motivation was much, much deeper.
As humans we have been designed to live in and for community. We live in a culture that is driven by individualism and prosperity and yet I think many of us have found how empty that life can be.
We are told in Romans 12: 15-16 (NLT) “Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!”
Be the Change unified us with our neighbors. Encouraged us to be happy with those who were happy, and weep with those in pain. It taught us that we don’t have everything figured out, nor do we need to. Instead, let’s simply stand with our brothers and sisters, advocate for one another, love one another, and continue selflessly serving.
One of the many things I appreciate about Beautiful Mess Ministries is that they are not satisfied with their Be the Change event being a once-and-done kind of opportunity. Instead, they look to maintain relationships with the organizations supported through that project. They seek ways to continue serving and resourcing these organizations who are doing great work in the community. They know that for lasting change to occur, it requires consistency, dedication, and relationship. So, I invite you to consider joining us as we work together toward a culture of greater hope, love and purpose.