18.3.11

My Personal Road to Salvation



It's time for Amy's Neighborhood Fridays. Today's thought-provoking post comes from Amber at Making the Moments Count. She's currently healing from having her wisdom teeth extracted, so make sure you show her some love.

My Personal Road to Salvation

Many individuals in history have risen from humble beginnings. Generally their success is measured by their riches and many admire, and envy, their new position of power and financial freedom.

I will admit to dreaming that one day my life would resemble these people I had heard so much about. However, as time progresses, I find myself idolizing those who made a significant impact on the world through their selfless service and abundant charity. People who, at great financial loss to themselves, have dedicated their lives to global change through their non-profit organizations and programs.

Ben and I are on a professional track that could lead to great wealth. We have the potential to pursue a medical occupation that would leave us very well off and enable us to do many things --potentially wonderfully humanitarian things; however, neither of us desires this outcome.

When Ben first chose medical school I will confess that the knowledge of one day living in great comfort was appealing even though I knew the difficult demands that his career would place on our marriage and family. But the closer we get to starting medical school, and the more globally aware I become, the more uncomfortable I feel about pining away for ease when so much of the world's population lives in extreme poverty.

Most of my thinking evolves around my Christian upbringing: How can I, an acclaimed believer and follower of Christ, forsake my fellow women and men by lusting after riches?

In the end, Ben and I have concluded that combining our intellect and skills will help people significantly more than pursuing extravagant wealth. Our combined goals have turned into a collaborative dream of opening our own not-for-profit health clinic -- Ben overseeing the medical side and me overseeing the mental health side (once I obtain my Ph.D.) -- catering to the minority and poverty stricken populations.

Obtaining wealth is not inherently evil. Billionaire philanthropists, such as Bill Gates and Warren Buffet, have relieved the suffering of millions. However, I recognized that my personal ambition to attain wealth wasn't entirely wholesome. I feel that I can personally make a bigger difference in the world by using my God-given talents.

This journey has opened my heart to the immense suffering that exists among mankind. It is my hope that through our combined occupations Ben and I can provide a catalyst to change by encouraging our children to follow our path.

10 comments:

  • Kelly Miller

    Amber, thanks so much for sharing your aspirations and motivations here today. I have just one question: Can I come work for you when everything's ready to roll? Sounds very life affirming.

  • TKW

    Amber, you're always such a thoughtful soul. And so big-hearted.

    Sorry about the wisdom teeth, though. ((you))

  • amber_mtmc

    Kelly: Thank you so much for having me! Of course you can come work at the clinic! I know we'll have room on our board of directors for a very intelligent woman!

    TKW: You are too sweet. My hope is by writing this down I am committing myself to this cause. Thank goodness I have a husband who is much better than me.

  • Melissa

    That's awesome! I love dreaming big dreams, my husband and I have some crazy ones ourselves, it will be interesting to see where life takes us. And sorry about the wisdom teeth! Hopefully you can recover quickly. I remember when I got mine out they told me to take vicadin every 4 hours, and I took one and it knocked me out for 20 hours! I didn't bother taking another one!

  • Cathy Reaves

    It's people like you that make our world a better place. I am big on volunteerism and it's been part of my life forever. Money is good, but time seems better. Nice to see you here Amber, I was wondering what happened to you! Hope you are on the way to recovery.

  • Justine

    Amber, I have no doubt you guys will succeed. With heart as big as yours, the goal will follow. Amen to having people like the two of you in our world.

  • Rudri Bhatt Patel @ Being Rudri

    Amber, the road is long, but ultimately both of you will get there. Big dreams and big hearts will pave the way.

  • Unknown

    I wish you were my backyard fence neighbor, for real.

  • Anonymous

    You are a truly special person! I wish you both love and so much happiness along your journey.

  • The Drama Mama

    What a beautiful thought. I wish more people used their God-given talents rather then greed drive them.

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