Let’s talk about privacy. OnRamp was blessed to give away two nearly identical silver Toyota Corollas in the last two days… but we can’t show you pictures of the clients or share their names or stories. Like many of our clients, they have asked for privacy. Through painful mistakes in our early years and wise counsel from more experienced partners, we learned that protecting the privacy of clients is not only essential to a charity’s mission, it’s also how we honor the dignity of our clients, all of whom are made in the image of God. They are not projects to fix, nor are they defined by their lack of a car. They are inspiring men and women who have labored hard to overcome challenges that would have kneecapped me. Unless a client gives us explicit permission to share their story, name, and/or picture, we keep everything private. So it is for our 131st and 132nd clients. All I can say is that I promise you, they are both very inspiring people nominated by excellent advocates. For those whose donations made these Corolla purchases possible, your money was well spent!!
Since I can’t share stories, let me share a verse with you instead that has struck me in new ways this week. In Matthew 5, He says, “You are the light of the world… Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (NASB). Here’s what I seemed to have missed for a long time: all of the underlined words are PLURAL, not SINGULAR. See, Greek is typically more exact than English. The second person “you” in English could be either singular or plural. Not so in Greek. You know immediately whether Jesus is speaking to each person as an individual (singular 2nd person) or the group as a whole (plural 2nd person). So, to borrow from Texas vernacular, Jesus is actually saying, “Y’all are the light of the world… Let y’all’s light shine before men in such a way that they may see y’all’s good works, and glorify y’all’s Father who is in heaven.”
While the grammar is interesting, the implication is profound! I always thought my goal in this world was to be a singular light for Jesus - a candle shining in the dark. No, actually my goal is to unite with other followers of Jesus doing good deeds so that together we all are one glorious light for Jesus. It is when I gather with my amazing OnRamp staff, board, volunteers, and donors to serve families in need that WE, not ME, are the light of the world Jesus intended.
So I challenge you to think “WE” not “ME” this week. Where are you linking arms with other followers of Jesus to sacrificially serve the poor, vulnerable, or hurting as a glorious light that the world cannot help but notice. If you don’t have an answer to that, reach out to me and I’ll help you find a ministry or charity that fits your gifting and passion where you can lock arms with other believers and shine!