During a recent sermon, Dr. Jo Forrest referenced a conversation she had heard between organizational guru Adam Grant and clinical psychologist Dr. Becky Kennedy. Jo immediately caught my Sunday morning attention with her statement that Dr. Becky is working to find a way to bring out the good in everyone. Being an educator, and a mother, I live my life believing that each of God’s children has good that simply needs to be encouraged.

Jo went on to describe how Mr. Grant talked to Dr. Becky about his own family dinnertime. He described the struggle he and his wife were experiencing with asking his children, “How was your day?” Like most families, the children weren’t offering much in return. So, the couple rephrased their questions:

“Who helped you today?”
“Who did you see someone help?”
“What happened next?”
“What did you think about those kids?”

As a teacher, I have been trained in the power of questioning. How had I never thought about this as a parent? The questions were simple, but powerful. Jo quoted Dr. Becky: “The questions you ask someone show them the road you want them to walk.” This is so true! It made me think back to the WWJD rubber bracelets I wore during youth group time. The bracelets reminded kids to ask themselves, “What would Jesus do?” Questions can invite people to reflect and can guide their decisions.

I was recently asked to become an elder at Westminster. This was something I prayed about and did not decide lightly. I assumed that my work as an elder would be directed toward our youth programs due to my experience. On the contrary, Jo asked me to help on the Stewardship Commission. Her request made clear the road that the church needed me to walk, and I am glad to do it.
Jo’s sermon coupled with my new role evoked some different questions in my mind:

“How has Westminster helped you lately?”
“When have you seen someone help others at Westminster?”
“What happened next?”
“What do you think about those people?”
“How can you get involved?”

All good teachers will tell you that one question can have multiple answers. I pray in this case that you find yourself with a wealth of answers, not limited to a small circle of members or a finite list of ways to help. Westminster has many opportunities to get involved. We also have a number of ways to pledge or donate to help keep these opportunities available. Through your family’s giving we can continue to provide opportunities to serve and help the amazing people within our community.