The Power of YOU

I have talked a lot about relationship in the past few weeks. There are so many different kinds of relationships, but we know and have seen that it is relationship that is the key to the successes we see in the lives of our members. What I love about relationship is that it is a two-way street. Relationship is not about what we can GIVE to someone, but more about what each of us in the relationship gives to one another. So often when we think of volunteering we want to GIVE something. What about when we come to just give ourselves. Are we enough? Can just giving myself be of value to anyone? So many times GIVING becomes more about us than it does about those to whom we are giving.

I don't want to preach to you a lesson on giving or volunteering, but I do want to remind you of the value of who you are and what you can bring to the PARC. I hear very often, "at the PARC they treat us like a person and not a piece of trash." Is it really so simple? Is it really as simple as coming in and introducing ourselves, shaking a hand and then calling that person by their name? Is it really as uncomplicated as taking the time to sit down and ask someone to tell you about themselves and then have a conversation with them? Why are we intimidated by that? Why do we feel that there has to be more? 

I am here to say that it is as simple and uncomplicated as that. I have witnessed miraculous change over and over because of this very thing. the PARC is for everyone. the PARC is for you. Those who come to volunteer may be shy, outgoing, talkative, good listeners, confused, or just searching for more, but we all have one thing in common. When we come to just be ourselves and make our self available, we have the honor of impacting a life; a person. We do not have the answers. We don't have to 'say the right thing' or solve their problem. We aren't supposed to. The beauty of what happens is that through relationship, as they begin to feel 'like a person and not a piece of trash', they begin to find themselves. Their confidence grows and THEY find the answers. The change happens from the inside out. 

As our numbers have increased at the PARC our need for volunteers has greatly increased. We need people like you sitting around the tables and having conversation. Do you want to change a life today? Do you want to be changed? Come to the PARC. Come anytime and stay as long as you want. We are open 8:00 - 4:00 Monday through Friday. Some come on their lunch hour. Some just drop by when they have some time in their schedule. Many schedule a time where they come consistently on the same day and at the same time every week. It is up to you, but we need you. It sounds too simple. It is hard to picture, but I promise you that once you see it; the minute you step in to the PARC, you get it. And, I can also promise you another thing. You will not only get the opportunity to impact and change someone's life, you have the opportunity to be changed yourself. There is value in relationship, and I am so thankful that the PARC has given me  the opportunity to have relationship with people I would never have known. I am richer. I am changed. Call or come by. Tell your friends. Our number is 367-8024 and we are located at 413 SW 6th. I hope to see you soon.