Day 184-February 11, 2011

This has been inspired by Mary P.'s monthly e-mail. 

"A month ago, I attended the re-orientation retreat as part of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. On the first night, we listened to a clip from the awesome MPR show, 'This I Believe.' It was a six-year-old who had written a list of 100 things that he believed for school. Thirty of these were chosen to be read for this particular episode, which was played for us on the retreat. After listening, we were given a few minutes and invited to formulate a few sentences that highlighted our own beliefs." 

It is interesting to think "what do I believe?" This year had taught me that there are somethings that I believe that not everyone believes.  It has also taught me that things I thought I believed, I may not because they have been questioned.  

I believe that each person has the same rights regardless of skin color or economic status.  This is something not everyone believes and these past few months in AL have shown me that daily. 

I believe everyone has a right to tell their story and to be heard.  This is something I need to remember as I am doing an intake and my mind wonders to planning rugby practice or what to make for dinner.  

I believe everyone deserves legal representation... or do I? I struggled with this concept.  Yes, in theory, everyone deserved legal representation but I struggle thinking of the abusive spouses in our domestic violence cases.  Going to work with Nate at New Orleans' Public Defenders office helped me with the struggle.  One of the first times I met Nate I asked him if he had the same struggle and he beautifully told me that they are people too.  And they are, regardless of what crime has been committed or what laws ignored, each individual is a person and they deserve legal representation. 

I believe people are grateful. Gratitude is something that is seen in highs and lows working in non-profit work.  When you help someone or ease some one's fear they are grateful. When you are unable to help someone but you refer them to another agency that will be able to help them, you either become part of their problem or they are grateful for the referral.  What I have struggled to understand is those who expect the assistance and are not grateful in any way for the agency or those working for the agency.  These are individuals who have multiple legal cases or do not believe they need to make their bankruptcy payments, for example.  I have heard many time that the client doesn't have money so we are supposed to help them. Supposed to help? We do help, when we can but there is give and take.  There have been multiple clients who have felt entitled and have been rude. This is turning into a rant but it boggles my mind that some people take no or very little responsibility for their lives and the choices they have made because there are agencies and charities that will help them.

I believe every child deserves a childhood free from fear of adult problems.  Adult problems such as violence, money issues, and homelessness.  I hope this is something I can work more closely with in the future.

I believe everyone deserves forgiveness.

I believe greed is ugly and money can ruin men.

I believe in Love.