2008 Woodie Awards
From the District: love of soccer, Christian charity are rediscovered
Cassy Loseke
Issue date: 6/17/08 Section: Opinion
WASHINGTON - I've recently rediscovered my addiction to soccer. Now that I'm in a city with an Major League Soccer team, I've made an effort attend as many D.C. United games as possible. I've even enjoyed watching Union of European Football Association's Euro 2008 tournament on ESPN just as much as the live soccer in the District (OK, that may be a little bit of an exaggeration).
Attendance to the games, however, has helped me rediscover more than just a passion for the sport - it's helped me rediscover the necessity to serve others.
This past weekend, I was heading home on the metro after United's latest win and was quietly approached by a man asking if I had 45 cents. I nodded my head 'no,' thinking I didn't have change, so he proceeded on to a young man, presumably in the military from the looks of the gray Army hoodie he wore.
He again requested change and, without speaking, the young man dug around his jean pockets searching. I looked on as he pulled out a $20 bill he crumpled into a ball to give discretely, so as to not embarrass the man any further. The man graciously accepted the money and put it into his makeshift jean shorts and left as the doors of the train opened.
It crossed my mind that it didn't look as if the man needed that much cash. He didn't look particularly dirty or poor, just that he was short 45 cents on his fare card. I wanted to slap myself as soon as I realized the selfish thought. Immediately, the magnitude of the gift brought me down to reality.
It was simultaneously heartbreaking and uplifting to see someone selflessly give with ease. I wanted to weep in shame for my judgmental attitude and also in thanksgiving, after witnessing his kindness. I had the urge to give the proud soldier a hug, although I restrained myself. I couldn't help but wonder if this young man was a Christian and began to reflect on my own actions or lack of actions to witness through good work.
It struck me that this man did not act out of selfish ambition. He did not need, nor want anything in return; it is acts like these that convince me witnessing through deeds is more effective than preaching the word many may find hard to relate to.
I also wondered how much charity is too much - didn't this soldier find it enough to serve his country? Did he really need to give $20 to a stranger? Better yet, why did he give so freely?
It is deeds such as this that humble me and remind me why I'm here - to serve. It helps me gain perspective and refocus my mind away from the material wealth American society promotes.
1 Peter 4:10 of the Bible says, "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms."
I live such a blessed life, and I'm so thankful. In return, the least I can do is help others in need greater than my own. It is something that is going to take conscientious effort; after all, it is human nature to expect something in return and selfless giving seems abnormal.
Thank God for D.C. United and this rediscovery.
Attendance to the games, however, has helped me rediscover more than just a passion for the sport - it's helped me rediscover the necessity to serve others.
This past weekend, I was heading home on the metro after United's latest win and was quietly approached by a man asking if I had 45 cents. I nodded my head 'no,' thinking I didn't have change, so he proceeded on to a young man, presumably in the military from the looks of the gray Army hoodie he wore.
He again requested change and, without speaking, the young man dug around his jean pockets searching. I looked on as he pulled out a $20 bill he crumpled into a ball to give discretely, so as to not embarrass the man any further. The man graciously accepted the money and put it into his makeshift jean shorts and left as the doors of the train opened.
It crossed my mind that it didn't look as if the man needed that much cash. He didn't look particularly dirty or poor, just that he was short 45 cents on his fare card. I wanted to slap myself as soon as I realized the selfish thought. Immediately, the magnitude of the gift brought me down to reality.
It was simultaneously heartbreaking and uplifting to see someone selflessly give with ease. I wanted to weep in shame for my judgmental attitude and also in thanksgiving, after witnessing his kindness. I had the urge to give the proud soldier a hug, although I restrained myself. I couldn't help but wonder if this young man was a Christian and began to reflect on my own actions or lack of actions to witness through good work.
It struck me that this man did not act out of selfish ambition. He did not need, nor want anything in return; it is acts like these that convince me witnessing through deeds is more effective than preaching the word many may find hard to relate to.
I also wondered how much charity is too much - didn't this soldier find it enough to serve his country? Did he really need to give $20 to a stranger? Better yet, why did he give so freely?
It is deeds such as this that humble me and remind me why I'm here - to serve. It helps me gain perspective and refocus my mind away from the material wealth American society promotes.
1 Peter 4:10 of the Bible says, "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms."
I live such a blessed life, and I'm so thankful. In return, the least I can do is help others in need greater than my own. It is something that is going to take conscientious effort; after all, it is human nature to expect something in return and selfless giving seems abnormal.
Thank God for D.C. United and this rediscovery.
Be the first to comment on this story