Faith, Life, and Lessons

Lesson 7- Contentment comes in seeking Truth and using our gifts to serve others “Why do you want to volunteer?” With a welcoming smile and inquisitive eyes, the interviewer awaited my response. I knew what she was asking. I’m a young college student with the most opportunities I will ever have. I have the youth and flexibility to do almost anything that interests me. So why this?  Why do I want to voluntarily put myself in the midst of the harrowing trauma of others? Why am I so often drawn to the seemingly dark places when I could just as easily spare myself? Why do I want to work here, at the Sexual Assault Center of Nashville. And even more pertinently- do I have what it takes? Second-hand trauma is a very real phenomenon, and becoming a Crisis Line volunteer at the SAC puts me in direct contact with victimization. The work isn’t for everyone; can I handle the pain and stress in a healthy manner? “Well…” I start out slowly before launching into my explanation of my ...

Lesson 4- Sometimes I overvalue courage (I am not invincible) Lesson 5- It’s not as awkward as you would think to have someone else X-ray your butt Lesson 6- Escaped prisoners make for a great distraction from recovery Listening to the water rapids crash in twisting white ribbons 45 feet below, I cleared my mind. My friends and I had already decided, against the local warnings, that we would be fine jumping from Baker’s Bridge that warm summer evening. Although usually as serene and picturesque as a Colorado post-card, the water below the bridge gnarled because of the high water levels. However, after looking at it for a few minutes, we figured it’d be fine. Beyond a unanimous thirst for adrenaline (a general characteristic of a camp counselor), it was my friend’s birthday, which almost always calls for an eventful night-off from camp. After a few of my friends had successfully jumped off the bridge and swam (more like been swept) to the rocks on the side, it was my turn. No...