At the turn of the last century a convention of soldiers of the Salvation Army was held in the upper mid-west...
Members of the army gathered in eager anticipation to hear what Dr. William Booth would say to the vast crowds who were assembled there. What challenges lie ahead for this marvelous organization that fed and cared for the physical needs of the impoverished of Britain and also the United States but also for the spiritual needs of those lost in despair and despondency…alone and without God? What words of encouragement would he speak that would challenge and inspire a new generation of soldiers to fight the good fight of faith and meet the ever increasing plight of the human experience?...
At the last minute Dr. Booth, now near 80 and in poor health sent the first transatlantic telegram to be presented to the crowd of the Faithful. As the crowd eagerly anticipated the challenging and inspiring words, the speaker opened the envelope…With a slight grin and a tear in his eye he read the message Dr. Booth had written. It simply said…”Others"...
A fulfilled life can only be accomplished and enjoyed when our hearts are attuned to the needs of others. There's something selfless, innate to the human spirit...the idea of service to others that fulfills a longing deep inside a person who has a heart to serve and a capacity to love unconditionally. Life was not granted to the least of God's children to live in selfish, self-centered egotism...Life was given to be shared with those we love and those whom God loves…others.