Love Returned

I met Bindia at an event through our childrens' school, where I had learned about her organization One Always Matters and her weekly work with City Relief. I was touched by the fact that she makes time each week to do this important work, and I felt inspired to volunteer with City Relief and to start thinking about how to get more involved with One Always Matters. I volunteered recently and can't wait to do so again soon. I was a bit nervous to volunteer as this is a Christian organization and I come from a Jewish Background. So, on the day I volunteered, when I asked people if I could pray for them, I wasn't sure if my words and aspirations for their bright futures would bring them comfort, connection and support. I was touched that my prayers did uplift people. It reminded me that my prayers and my small actions matter. They matter to me, reminding me of how much I care about those around me, and they matter to the people who asked for those prayers. I was also touched by how often people I met asked me to pray for the people in Ukraine, thinking of others at a time when they themselves are struggling. For several years, I have been focused on how to help my own family through our challenges. Meeting the beautiful people the day I volunteered reminded me that there is a whole world that needs love and that returns it, and that it is worth taking time to connect with people outside of my usual orbit, to learn from them and to show them my respect. I'm incredibly grateful to Bindia for encouraging me to think of the ways One Always Matters and to learn more about how to get involved with her organization to do so and to help.