This morning I am looking forward to a major event in my life. This is the third challenge that I have undertaken in less than a year. The first was, of course, my marriage to Willie last August. The second, taking a part-time job, after 23 years of independent consulting, as an After-School Instructor. Tomorrow I will begin my six day Servant Leader Intern training. As part of my application process I had to write an essay on how I will contribute to the Philadelphia Freedom School movement. Here is my essay.
"I have been blessed with many opportunities during my lifetime. Because of my eclectic experience, I bring several talents and gifts to the Philadelphia Freedom School movement. My first gift is the desire to serve. Without that gift, I know I would not be adding anything of value to the movement. My second gift is my capacity to understand the needs of the individual scholars; not in an intellectual capacity, but in an empathetic awareness of their day-to-day need for recognition. Each scholar carries a burden to survive whatever their home life had given them the night before, or that morning as they left for school. Although the burdens are different from what I faced as a child, I clearly remember the need to be accepted and valued. My desire to listen to the scholar is also an asset. I take time to find out what their challenges are and try to address them appropriately. I am committed to the growth of our community, as well as, the individual scholar. I am especially committed to my own growth which allows me not to be rigid in my inter-action with the scholars. Overall, the gift that I bring to the movement is my desire to teach relationship building. Building relationships, through writing and communicating through the arts, builds a lasting foundation in a scholar’s life. A scholar who can write and communicate will lead a more successful and rewarding life."
Even now, as I re-read my essay, I have to remember to "die to self" and let the Holy Spirit guide me through this rigorous and rewarding process that I challenge myself to complete. Today I am 21 days shy of 59 years old. I'm overweight, but by faith and commitment I will complete the six day training and come out a much better prepared Servant Leader. A servant to my Lord and his people and a leader to guide them through their personal challenges.
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