Moments of Meaning: Telling stories of how faith, shaped in this community, has helped someone find meaning in their life.
Marlene, by her own admission, is not the kind of person to stay at home with needlework; she was intentional about looking for something to get her out of the house and engaged in the community. Her Bible studies, meditations, book studies, and the people she associates with encourage (and nudge) her to keep on even when she's tired. Her sense of purpose, all the way back to her being a girl scout, comes from a desire to leave a place and people in a better place or condition than when she found them.
For Marlene, it’s important to have something to do to make a difference. When she works at the front desk and people come in with tears or frustration, she notices how they calm and leave relaxed after talking with one of the PRISM caseworkers and getting groceries. There is satisfaction in watching the change in people as the staff at PRISM do their jobs well. It’s also exciting to see people celebrate their last visit at the food shelf because they had life changes happen and they no longer need PRISM’s services. She’s inspired by the smiles of children receiving KidPack, the appreciation of what is given at PRISM (by staff and families), seeing the emotional changes in families through their PRISM encounters, and seeing that people have been fed.
When Marlene was choosing a place to volunteer, it mattered to her that the organization was well-established, sticking close to its vision, goals & values. It needed to be a place the community trusts to provide food for families and that had kind staff. PRISM appealed to Marlene because of her early involvement in the group that formed the organization to respond to community needs, and because it continues to be faithful to the original vision.
When working at the front desk of PRISM, Marlene says it’s hard to try to calm some people – those who come in angry at first. But, she’s learned that people just want to be listened to for a few minutes, and then they relax after being heard. She chooses to come close, even though it might not be comfortable at first. In order to do this emotionally difficult work, she cares for herself and her wellbeing through prayer, going for a walk, and discussion with close friends help her regain a sense of balance or to see the chaos from a different perspective.
Marlene keeps a carefully planned calendar to keep balance with friends, family, church and volunteering. She works hard to keep commitments from overlapping –whether neighbor, family, volunteer, or church, so that she can be faithful to and honor each of her relationships. She’s grateful for her health which make it possible for her to be engaged in so many activities outside her home, and that she has the time and money that help create space for volunteering.
When asked about the difference her faith, formed in the community at Mount Olivet, makes in her life, she answers “Mount Olivet influences ways we can help and work in [the] community. Meaningful book studies, MO Talks, and other learning opportunities lead us toward compassion – both learning what others at church [such as youth] are up to and also knowing that others will listen when you want to say something.”
That she hopes her volunteering (and whole life) brings joy to the people she encounters and most of all that people can see her work as giving glory to God.
Written/Interview by Beth McGrew-King.