“Everybody can be great… because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”
―Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dr. King said, “anybody can serve”—and I believe that he was right.
But what does it mean to serve in an everyday context?
What does it mean to serve when you are not a political leader, a minister or an attorney with a wall full of diplomas?
What does it mean to “serve” when you are simply a mom, dad, son or daughter? Just an ordinary person, making the best of your life, trying to make a difference.
How can you serve & inspire others—and be a role model—when you don’t even “have all the answers,” yourself?
I believe that you can serve in two ways: doing & being.
Doing…things that benefit others. Teaching, mentoring, volunteering, coaching, counseling, healing, fundraising, building houses, advocating for human rights, perhaps defending an innocent person in a court of law.
Sometimes you need to study hard and earn a particular degree (or two…or three) in order to serve others by doing.
Other times, you don’t need an official certification—just a blazing passion to help, combined with the grit and determination to get things done.
You can serve others by doing—and you can also serve others by being.
Being…the best person you can be. Which means loving and respecting yourself, completely. Not in an egocentric way, but from the depths of your soul. This powerful energy radiates from you as you relate to others.
When you are being the best person you can be, you’re serving because you are an example of health, love and vitality. This is infectious and contagious. This is you, being a role model. Human beings learn by example, and when you are being your best… you’re offering a positive example for others.
How will you serve, today?
By doing what is right? Doing what is necessary? Perhaps doing just one more thing than is truly necessary—going above and beyond, from a place of deep love. Doing what needs to be done, even if it doesn’t result in money, praise or public recognition.
By being loving? Patient? Kind? Self-reliant? Bold? Brave? Creative? Generous? By letting others see you, being—or becoming—your best.
The funny thing that I’ve noticed is… when you are being the best person you can be, then doing flows naturally. You don’t have to force it. You almost can’t help it. It’s just… who you are. Just you, being you.
How will you serve today?
What will you do?
If that question feels too big or overwhelming, then start smaller. Start with your next breath. Your next choice. Start right where you are, and answer this question, instead:
Who will you be?
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