"Bright lights don't need spotlights." This is a quote from one of my current favorite books, "Everybody, Always" by Bob Goff. This quote shows me everyday that I do not need to do "good things" for recognition or for a prize. When our actions evince sacrificial love, they do not require acknowledgement. I can be satisfied knowing I perform actions out love solely because that is what I desire, never because I am seeking validation or justification. Bob Goff is a Christian author who has an insane amount of life experience. Rather than trying to evangelize or convert people, he shows his love for Jesus in everything he does and waits for others to notice that there is something different about his actions. At the same time, his books are not limited to the Bible-believing Christian. I genuinely think anybody would get a good kick out of this book (or anyone who wants to love everybody, all of the time). Bob Goff glorifies God in all he does, yet does not overbear or overwhelm people. He meets Jesus in the everyday mundane, which is something I strive to do, as well. Bob Goff's simple parables motivate me to love people the way Jesus does: Never discriminating, never picking and choosing, and never being conditional. In "Everybody Always", Bob Goff also touches on comparison, which is one of the biggest things I struggle with, whether it pertains to looks, health, what I wear to church, the things I believe in, school, or my actions. Bob Goff cultivates a spirit of individuality in his readers, showing how freeing it can be to be so lost in what God is doing in our lives, that we don't even have the chance to stop and take a peek at someone else's. Bob Goff's books do not follow one seamless, plot-driven story; Each chapter is totally distinct and unique, making it easy to pick up the book whenever I am in need of a chapter of encouragement, motivation, and some good laughs!

If there is something that inspires me to get involved in my community, it would have to be my community. A while ago, I joined the young adults Bible study at my church. We named ourselves “Phileo”, which is the Greek word for “brotherly love”. This is the kind of love we all have for each other and that we work and choose to extend to others in our community. My group’s selfless desire to help others in unlimited ways for absolutely nothing in return motivates me daily. I grew up needing volunteer hours for school, scholarships, and programs, so this is the first time I have chosen to volunteer and really help others who genuinely need it because I genuinely want to—and that changes things. Getting to see how deeply those who attend are affected really motivates me to pour my love and time into their lives. I have gotten to see lives radically changed, baptisms, and just their overall gratitude to God and His people for what we do at the church. This also affects my personal faith, making me grateful for all that I have and get to experience daily. Weekly, before I attend the worship and sermon service, I get to volunteer in my church’s outreach service. In this service, the homeless and transient community of Kissimmee and surrounding areas are invited and welcomed to come to have a hot meal (with unlimited refills), worship, pray, and listen to a sermon. With my friends, we get to sit with these individuals and hear about their lives, listen to them, serve them, and aid them in any way we can. Kissimmee Christian Church realizes that the members are not only hungry on Sundays, so throughout the week, there are multiple opportunities for them to enjoy the company of others and a hot meal. Throughout attending this outreach ministry, we have gotten to see individuals delivered from the effects and shackles of alcoholism, drugs, and sex work. Physically, we see them get visibly healthier and into job opportunities and low-income housing through the church. Many individuals are just families who have found themselves in a tough situation and just need the extra push and motivation to get them back on their feet. Noticing that everybody’s situation is different and undeserving of judgment has aided us as young adults in pouring out our love and care, despite what may have gotten them there.

"Bright lights don't need spotlights." This is a quote from one of my current favorite books, "Everybody Always, by Bob Goff. This quote shows me everyday that I do not need to do "good things" for recognition or for a prize. When our actions evince sacrificial love, they do not require acknowledgement. I can be satisfied knowing I perform actions out love solely because that is what I desire, never because I am seeking validation or justification. Bob Goff is a Christian author who has an insane amount of life experience. Rather than trying to evangelize or convert people, he shows his love for Jesus in everything he does and waits for others to notice that there is something different about his actions. Bob Goff glorifies God in all he does, yet does not overbear or overwhelm people. He meets Jesus in the everyday mundane, which is something I strive to do, as well. Bob Goff's simple parables motivate me to love people the way Jesus does: Never discriminating, never picking and choosing, and never being conditional. In "Everybody Always", Bob Goff also touches on comparison, which is one of the biggest things I struggle with, whether it pertains to looks, health, what I wear to church, the things I believe in, school, or my actions. Bob Goff cultivates a spirit of individuality in his readers, showing how freeing it can be to be so lost in what God is doing in our lives, that we don't even have the chance to stop and take a peek at someone else's. Bob Goff's books do not follow one seamless, plot-driven story; Each chapter is totally distinct and unique, making it easy to pick up the book whenever I am in need of a chapter of encouragement, motivation, and some good laughs!