Paradigm Shift?

As a general rule, I typically trust people and see good in them on an individual basis. However, when I think of people as a whole I think of self-absorbed, gratification-seeking, greedy human beings of the 21st century. Am I completely wrong? Our world is so driven by the here and now, money and getting higher up on the corporate ladder that we often miss the important things.

Not too long ago, in my graphic design class, my teacher asked us to write a little bit about our generation. I wrote that we are, in fact, selfish to the core. I typically think very negatively of people my age and I think perhaps I am too harsh.

Recently, my church hosted a benefit for my family.

Why? you ask. well... let me explain

In 2008 (shortly after graduation) I was in a car accident and broke my Calcaneus. That picture is not my Xray, however I can tell you that the little bone you see in the picture was broken into about 12 pieces and shifted to the outside of my foot... yeah, it was bad. I also broke three or four of my Metatarsals. So, yeah it was pretty bad. I was told that I would possibly not walk - or if I did it would be with a severe limp after months of therapy - NOT what I wanted to hear the summer before I had planned on going to college. To make a long story short, God answered a lot of prayers, I had surgery and healed well over the next few months - now walking quite well despite the constant pain in my right foot. The pain serves as a daily reminder of God's grace.

Shortly after this accident (still before I left for school) my dad lost his job. So now, my family is facing thousands of dollars in medical bills AND college tuition... not very fun. But, but the grace of God, I still went to school and made it through the year while my dad remained virtually jobless.

After the end of my first year of school, it seemed as though things were picking up, Dad was finding jobs to work for some money - enough to get by. But then he, too, had an accident. He broke his Tibia and the ball of his ankle. It was really bad. With his sudden injury and medical bills, my college tuition and remaining bills, and the lack of eligibility for government aide (because my dad couldn't work anymore)... we were in a bind.

So this brings us to the present... the benefit my church hosted.

Clearly our family was in need, but we didn't really feel worthy to recieve such a blessing - but despite our hesitation, the people of our congragation wanted to help. SO they did. Over 200 people showed up for this ice cream social and silent auction. It was wonderful, people came togehter and had fun, worked together for a selfless cause and showed God's love in wonderul ways. All the proceeds went to my family.

If that wasn't enough to knock my head around for thinking people are selfish, in addition to the monetary donation... I was given, that right GIVEN, a car. The 98 Nissan Altima that is parked outside is now mine thanks to 24 people who felt called to bless me with the very thing I'd been praying for. God works in amazing ways. Not only did He prove to me that His people are not evil, He showed me ONCE AGAIN that He is sovereign and will take care of His people (who are, again, not evil).

Praise God for everything He has done and will continue to do. Never doubt Him or the people He has created for they are in His image and have hearts despite the general perception of people.

Amen. ha