Inspiration

I am very grateful to PMMA for giving me an opportunity to attend the Global Leadership Summit in Wichita during the first week of August. I met our chaplains from other PMMA locations. We supported each other and uplifted by the ministry each one of us are called to do in our respective places the Lord chose us to.

One of the speakers is Mandey Harvey, a singer, songwriter, author, and speaker who happens to be deaf. She shared her story, from losing everything when she became deaf to how with her dad’s help she reached a level where her heart is to help others achieve their dreams by encouraging them to try and move forward as a community. She got a Golden Buzzer in AGT. I returned with her voice ringing in my ears.

One of the speakers asked us who inspired us or inspires us? I came back inspired by Mandy Harvey. However, when I was young in college, the one person with whom I was closely associated with was mother Teresa. I studied in a women’s Catholic School in India where mother Teresa was a frequent visitor. I spent time talking to her, attending the mass with her, and following her principles that taught me about compassion, care, and love for others at a very young age. I was and I am inspired by her. As I write this note to you, I am also celebrating her life remembering her 25th death anniversary on September the 5th.

My dear PMMA-Family, I want to leave you this poem called Inspiration, one of the favorites of mother Teresa. Just like mother Teresa, I too hang it on my wall and read it every day.

I also want to let you know this is my last love note to you all. I thank each one of you for teaching me to continue to serve God by learning, listening, and walking with you. I leave Lawrence Presbyterian Manor with a heavy heart but doubly blessed and fulfilled to continue to serve the Lord with all my heart in the next chapter of my life. THANK YOU!

The below inspirational poem is generally known as the “Do it Anyway” poem of Mother Teresa. It was written by Kent M. Keith as “Paradoxical Commandments” and Mother Teresa promoted it by hanging a framed photo of this poem on the wall of her home.

Inspiration

People are often unreasonable,

illogical, and self-centered;

forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, People may accuse

you of selfish, ulterior motives;

Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some

false friends and some true enemies;

Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank,

people may cheat you;

Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building,

someone could destroy overnight;

Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness,

there may be jealousy;

Be happy anyway.

The good you do today,

people will often forget tomorrow;

Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have,

and it may never be enough;

Give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis,

it is between you and God;

It was never between you and them anyway.

God be with you till we meet again!

May the Lord bless you and keep you!

Chaplain Dinah

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