Impact

Impact is a word I have been hearing a lot of lately because of an initiative at Church. I suppose like anything that is substantial in scope and communication, at times it can become redundant or even annoying. Lately I think I have been slipping into that category a little, maybe feeling a little over exposed. Today we watched a video presentation that has completely reversed my previous thoughts. The video featured people whose lives had been impacted in various ways by Community Christian Church. Other than extreme pride in the body of believers I am associated with, I was struck in 2 ways. The first hit me as I listened to the stories of life change, saved marriages, freedom from addictions, purpose where there had previously been none, and countless other ways. I realized - I am one of those lives impacted. My marriage was delivered from the brink of destruction, my life was freed from total obsession of self, and my children have a father and not a paycheck (although I wish they could have both!). I am a life changed and impacted. I honestly had a hard time keep the tears from coming, as for a brief moment I contemplated where I would be were it not for God getting a hold of my life through Community.

The second impact to me was that I began to realize all the people I have been apart of impacting. I have been blessed to bring care and support to the fatherless, the friendless and the hopeless. Not because I am a great person, anyone that knows me knows that is not the case. But because of the impact to me, I am moved to make an impact. I open myself to Love God and Love Others. I am so blessed. I truly have the greatest job in the world. At times it is hard, so hard. I feel pulled in more directions than physically possible most days, but I can't imagine my life without this. I am impacted and impactful.

A woman came up to some of us staff members afterwards and had not received a copy of the video that was distributed. I reluctantly looked down at the copy I clutched in my hand and gave it over. There are more somewhere I am sure and I will for sure grab one. I can only imagine that she has been as impacted as me and I hope so.