My Mission

As I start my second and final year in social work grad school, I must remind myself of my mission, my calling, my passion to do this work. Being a social worker is not a glorious career. It does not pay well and it does not come with many accolades and promotions. It is dirty and messy, full of sorrow, frustration, heartbreak, and injustice. Yet, this is my calling.

One of my all time heros is Mother Theresa. I believe she encapsulated the true essence of service and I am constantly encouraged and motivated by her words of love. I recently found a book of her prayers and meditations and have been soaking it up. This is my mission, my calling, my passion.

"We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But if that drop was not in the ocean, I think the ocean would be less because of that missing drop. I do not agree with the big way of doing things. To us what matters is an individual. To get to love the person we must come in close contact with him. If we wait till we get the numbers, then we will be lost in the numbers. And we will never be able to show that love and respect for the person. I believe in person to person; every person is Christ for me, and since there is only one Jesus, that person is the one person in the world at that moment."

I absolutely love this image. I will not change the world with my social work practice. There will still be pain, hurt, crime, injustice, and poverty. But, every time I meet with a client or patient and show kindness and love and respect and support, I know I am putting a drop in the ocean that was not there before. A tiny glimpse of hope and beauty. Every person deserves that kind of personal contact. One drop is better than none.

I'm also challenged by her words here:

"There is always the danger that we may become only social workers, or just do the work for the sake of the work. It is a danger if we forget to whom we are doing it. Our works are only an expression of our love for Christ. Our hearts need to be full of love for him, and since we have to express that love in action, naturally then the poorest of the poor are the means of expressing our love for God."

I hope I am never just a social worker. But a living and walking display of what God has done in me. I hope to love with that love, and live with that hope.

And lastly,

"Be kind and merciful. Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting. In the slums we are the light of God's kindness to the poor. To children, to the poor, to all who suffer and are lonely, give always a happy smile. Give them not only your care, but also your heart."

I do not believe Mother Theresa was perfect. Nor do I believe her faith never wavered. But, I do believe she was a woman of true beauty, love, humility, grace, and service. I will never be as devoted, committed, or entrenched in this work as she was, but may I constantly try.