Horizons magazine is published by Presbyterian Women (PW) the national women’s organization of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
Issue link: http://horizons.epubxp.com/i/521232
24 I f you have ever had the opportunity to enjoy travel- ing by airplane, then you will undoubtedly recall the two- or three-minute safety announcement prior to departure. If you are fortunate to travel fairly often, then you may even be familiar enough to recite the safety drill verbatim. Since I am an infrequent air traveler, I do try to pay attention to the whole drill each time. And by doing so, I've learned a few important safety details. For example, although I have happily never found myself in an "air emergency," I have learned to expect— should I find myself in one of these unhappy events—that oxygen masks automatically drop from the ceiling. And I have learned that should the oxygen masks drop, I should first secure my own mask before assisting other passengers with their masks. Although this instruction may seem a bit harsh (and peculiar!), the reality is we must first take care of ourselves so we are able to care for others. Upon reflection, I think this idea (caring for ourselves so we can better care for others) is applicable to just about everything we do in life. We are advised to find time for devotion and spiritual enrichment, exercise, adequate sleep, proper nourishment. We do these things not just so we can look our doctor and pastor in the eyes and say, "Yes, I did that!" We do these things so our bodies and souls are ready to engage the world. We can hug a child, attend a play, sign a petition, knit a blanket, host a benefit lunch. Taking care of ourselves so we are equipped to help others isn't just true of people; it's also true for organiza- tions. The Mission Pledge is the air mask for Presbyterian Women. You give to PW so that PW can continue to engage the world with its unique witness. Gifts to the Mis- sion Pledge make possible nearly every program and min- istry of Presbyterian Women. Matthew 6:21 reminds us, For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. —MATTHEW 6:21 The Mission Pledge The Financial Foundation of Presbyterian Women BY CARISSA HEROLD