Interfaith Health Service, Kindness in the Community

“Every time you opt in to kindness
Make one connection used to divide us
It Echoes
All over the world” — Echoes, Dar Williams

I have long been a fan of singer/songwriter/community organizer Dar Williams. One of her new songs, Echoes, has not been far from my CD player these days. The lyrics listed above have especially resonated with me as I attend various meetings in the community to seek ideas and partnerships for our Latinas in Action program during this time of transition and new growth.

While Interfaith Health Service has the mission of providing hope and healing in Omaha, I believe a large part of that mission involves about making connections. Connections with our neighbors, connections with our brothers and sisters, connections on the human and heart levels within our churches, local agencies and programs.

The simple act of opting in to kindness, rather than focusing on what divides us is a radical act. Seemingly simple, yet requiring commitment and awareness.

The echoes I have personally wittnessed within Interfaith’s ministry these past months include the following:

Interfaith participants working together to raise money for a friend whose son died and who did not have money for a funeral.

Our Latinas in Action women and their families coming together at Grace Lutheran Church for a lovely Christmas celebration.

Teenage particpants working hard with each other on team building and sharing activities.

Volunteers, teachers and physicians in the community asking how they can become more involved with Interfaith’s work.

Funders exploring possibilities of partnership and connection with Interfaith.

David, one of our youngest teen participants, saying that his Friday nights with Interfaith’s Super Kids Club are the best part of his weekend.

This New Year, I pray that together we may continue to echo the kindness that Interfaith programs seek to facilitate in the community.

Virginia McGill, Interfaith