The month was January, the year was 1964 and the musical, Funny Girl, opened on Broadway staring Barbra Streisand. The song “People” from that play was her first recording to put her on the Billboard Top 100 hits at #5. Her voice was amazing, but the lyrics, from what became her signature song, still ring true today.
“People, people who need people are the luckiest people in the world.”
Whether the songwriters realized it or not, there is great wisdom in their words. We all need people in our lives in order to feel whole. When you find yourself feeling like you are all alone, sad and depressed, it’s easy to withdraw and feel as though the world is leaving you behind. If this is you, you can relate to this – you wish you had someone in your life that cared about you and that made you feel happy. But how to get there escapes you. There is an old proverb that says, “A man that has friends must show himself friendly.” That is the first step on the road to fulfillment.
No matter how lonely you may be feeling and no matter how much you need people in your life, it is up to you to turn it all around. Here is a simple, but at the same time a profound saying: “If it’s to be, it’s up to me.” There is always someone else that has a problem or a need and the best way for you to feel better personally is to get up and go out and find someone you can help! When you need help… go help someone else. There in lies the wisdom of Barbra’s song. “People, people who need people are the luckiest people in the world.” Are you thinking right now that you don’t know where to go or what to do? The answer is for you to volunteer someplace, someplace where you can do something for someone else. There is really not much that is more satisfying than to know you are doing something important and necessary in someone else’s life. There definitely are people out there that need you. Each of us has unique skills and talents, given to us to be used. Many organizations are always looking for those willing to share a little of their time and to step up to help out.
If you are like many of us, our first thought might be, “I don’t know where to look or even how to begin.” In today’s world, as you already know, the Internet is a great resource. That is why you are here now. If you Google “places to volunteer in Orange County” you will find many suggestions. Also, on this website, if you look at the topic, Finding A Life With Purpose, will you find some suggestions that may interest you. In addition, there is a Get Involved section that has a list of upcoming events where you can volunteer in the community.
The American Red Cross has a position called a Blood Donor Ambassador. The commitment is for six hours a month for six months. This is a great place to find people that need you and your kindness and compassion. As our theme song suggests, the blood donors will be lucky to have you and you them. You are needed and “people who need people are the luckiest people in the world.” You may want to visit www.redcross.org to get in contact with someone that can steer you in the right direction. You are needed by so many others in so many different places. Find the one that speaks to you.
Many of our local churches have groups that volunteer for various services. You might want to visit www.saddlebackchurch.com and click on Care at the top of the site. There you will find ministry groups you can participate in. One in particular is a group that goes to visit people in the hospital. On their site you will find a phone number and you might want to call and talk to someone about the opportunities available.
There is a strange truth – Amazingly, when we set out to help someone in a way that will bless their life, we are the ones that receive a beautiful and personal blessing!