She balanced a spiritual life with a life of art and a life of social action. This appealed to me as it held all of the components that I valued in my own life. I loved to write. I was devout in my spiritual struggle as a sinner, and I felt called to collecting truck loads of food for inner city homeless folks in Philadelphia.
I started a little venture then known as Orthodox Action in memory and honor of Mother Maria - not yet a saint. I visited the city once a week with food I collected from local bakeries, restaurants, donut shops, churches, and grocery stores. What I remember was the great eagerness with which people gave.
They really were happy to see these things go to someone who could use them. All of my stops started collecting clothing, too. Soon I had to get the help of my step-dad to deliver. He would also go in town once a week. Others would help as we needed.
I remember the awkwardness and the fear the first few visits. But, after becoming known to the men and women of the streets, a community developed around the work. This actually became an encouragement for me to realize that things build up their own momentum and take care of themselves.
Giving is a part of our lives. When we stop being able to give we lose a whole portion of our lives and our identities. Find some folks around you, collect some food and clothing from them, and take it all into a shelter, or children's home. You'd be surprised how wholesome it feels and how much it clears out the garbage in your heart.
Ciao!
+Tom
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