Why did you decide to start Austin Angels?
As a part of the Austin Angels I have the opportunity to help my community, serve others, be blessed in turn from these actions, build long-lasting relationships, and witness a whole lot of smiles, laughter, and love going around. With all that and more, why WOULDN’T I be a part of Austin Angels?!?!
What is your favorite charity (besides Austin Angels of course!)?
I have to echo Susan! The work of movements such as HELP (Help End Local Poverty), Invisible Children and Charity: Water blows my mind. In the midst of a consumerist world, these organizations challenge themselves to think beyond the unending strive to get a bigger and nicer SUV, TV, house, etc. and instead spend their efforts in order to provide basic human needs (food, shelter, water) to widows and orphans and oppressed peoples of impoverished nations. I am captivated by the audacity of these individuals who choose to “go where the brave do not go” in order to hopefully make a better world for our children. I implore you to visit their websites and educate yourselves on the efforts that are taking place around the world.
Favorite Book:
I’m embarrassed and yet strangely proud to say that I am still hung up on The Giver by Lois Lowry. I first read it in middle school, but it still speaks volumes to me. Underlying themes: a seemingly utopian society which turns out to be a truly broken and tragic community; a boy who is courageous enough to become aware of the devastating tragedies and strives to search for a better world in order to save a younger child.
What are you most grateful for?
I am grateful to God for the beautiful world that has been given to us and for the opportunity to take full advantage of the life that has been given to us. I am grateful to my husband, Michael, for putting up with me…and insisting that I put up with him!
I am grateful for my family who has taught me about love and kindness.
If you had one wish for the world what would it be?
For all human beings to have compassion for one another. If it were this way compassion would almost always win over actions of greed, fame, lust, etc. and would truly solve the majority of the world’s problems.
If you had any “special power” what would it be??
To heal the hearts, minds and spirits of every broken child. Remember, we are ALL children!
What is your goal for Austin Angels?
That Austin Angels will be a blessing, no matter how great or small to the communities and people it serves. That Austin Angels will be examples of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.
What do you have to say to new Volunteers who join Austin Angels??
Get ready to be excited and to be blessed while you bless others. It’s easy to do because the excitement and passion around the Austin Angels is contagious. Once you get going with us, after each project you’re going to say “Ok! What next?!”
Who is your living Hero?
Chuck Norris! I feel like I have to say this because I adored him at the age of about 5. Truly though, hands down, my parents are my heroes. As much as we butted heads over the years, it is because of them that I have such compassion for the hurting world around me. My parents took in homeless people that were strangers, giving them shelter, clothing, food, medical care, job opportunities, etc. They gave $200 tips to single mothers waiting tables during Christmas time so they could bless their children. I could write a book, or maybe even a series of how much they gave of their time, money, effort, tears, and prayers, to anyone they came into contact with that was in need over the years. And all without ever expecting or even wanting praise and credit for their benevolence.
Favorite Quote:
(Ok, so really these are lyrics!)
To fight for the right
Without question or pause
To be willing to march into Hell
For a heavenly cause
…
And the world will be better for this
That one man, scorned and covered with scars
Still strove with his last ounce of courage
To reach the unreachable star |
