As I prepared to light the chalice this morning and thought about what service means to me, I couldn’t help but think about my experiences in the Girl Scouts. Each week at our meetings we would recite the Girl Scout Promise,

On my honor, I will try:
To serve God and my country,
To help people at all times,
And to live by the Girl Scout Law.

I think it’s worth noting that now there is an asterisk by the word God with a footnote that says, “The word "God" can be interpreted in a number of ways, depending on one's spiritual beliefs. When reciting the Girl Scout Promise, it is okay to replace the word "God" with whatever word your spiritual beliefs dictate.” Despite this change, the commitment to “help people at all times” is still an unwavering tenet on the Girl Scouts. Year after year we were taught to serve our community by helping younger Girl Scouts, visiting elderly nursing home residents during the holidays, and creating our own service projects.

As an adult I still find the most satisfaction and fulfillment in the times that I give to others. As part of my commitment to the greater good, I’ve chosen to work in the field of public health, particularly reproductive health. I believe that by helping people have the number of children they want, when they want them, I’m increasing the possibility that they will be able to achieve their goals and dreams that they have for their lives.

The civil rights activist Bayard Rustin once said, "The proof that one truly believes is in action.” I light the chalice this morning in honor of all those who commit to the community and let their actions speak louder than words. For those who give to the Westside food bank, work for social justice, strive to achieve equal rights for the LGBT community, and more, I light the chalice for you.