I don't normally post in this part of the forum, but I thought I would today because I wanted to start a little bit different kind of discussion. I realize that politics and religion stir up some very strong opinions and reactions in people, and rightfully so because I think they are important issues, but I find that they can also be quite divisive at times. Constructive disagreement can be healthy and I certainly have my own opinions on most of the topics discussed here, but rather than just adding to the fire, I'd like to steer this thread in a different direction.

My heart is to help people. I'm far from perfect, but I really want to be able to help others overcome difficult situations and to help and comfort them in their times of need. Now, I'm not naive enough to believe that everyone operates that way I do, but I'd like to think that at least some individuals, politicians, religious organizations, corporations, and governmental bodies have at one point or another done something good for others that merits recognition.

So that's the point of this thread. I'd love to hear examples where people helped each other and I'd also like to hear about how you personally would like to help others, why, and what you're going to do about it.

Politically and religiously I don't have any interest in helping people using those because there will certainly be points where I would raise hell or something because of the difference in opinion. One can help another in many ways. Those ways doesn't have to be big. I want to help people not because I want recognition, but because I owe it to them. Even before and now, I also need some form help as Help can be given in any form; money, advice, support.

I try to be helpful in everything I do. I'm not perfect, I get irritated and short tempered, some things I say come out wrong and/or are misinterpreted.

When I am short tempered I try to hold my tongue and not say anything that I will regret later. I try to stop and think - if what I am about to say is the last thing I will ever get to say to this person, will I feel guilty for saying it? If the answer is yes, then I need to find something else to say. It doesn't always work, but usually it does.

I do a lot of community service through my church and both DarkLink and KaityBaby have been raised helping people with and without church.
It has happened that we have come out of the grocery store and DarkLink has helped some one else put their groceries in the car. KaityBaby checks on her grandparents pretty much every day (they live down the street from us) and helps them in various ways - she walks their dog, switches their laundry, takes out the garbage, etc. When there is a church function it has become an assumption that both of them will help with it.

We volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, help prepare meals for a soup kitchen, collect clothes for the needy, collect our change for a baby ministry and quite a few other things.

There are a number of organizations that help people - not just religious ones. Here are just a few:

-Most food pantries are not run by religious organizations.
-Red Cross has a number of projects you can volunteer for in a group or by yourself in addition to giving blood.
-The Salvation Army is psuedo-religious. They are Christian based, but non-denominational and distribute a number of items to needy families.
-Most cities have "clean up the neighborhood" projects you can volunteer for. You can usually find out by calling your city hall.
-Big brothers/Big sisters organizations give positive role models to underprivileged children.
-Habitat for Humanity rehabilitates homes for low-income families and welcomes any volunteers 16 or older.

I've been skipping church on Sundays and volunteering. Usually at soup kitchens.

For me helping people is like building a kingdom. But the kingdom is nowhere near earth. Whether it's big or small, it really doesn't matter. I like to help people not because I want to be remembered here on earth. But I would like to face my creator knowing that I did and exhaust all I got to help my brothers and sisters. I am active in our church however just by being active doesn't count to be 'helpful'. Sometimes a quick nudge to say hello to those shy people around you is already helping; helping them to trust and make friends. You need to live what you talk for others to see that you are really who you are. =)

as for me happiness can be found in helping people and that's the way how i take my break..