The Giving Heart: How Serving Others Can Transform You, by Dr. Angela M. Scarlett

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Recently, I was asked to assist and serve an organization, Hazel’s Prayer Inc.

Reflecting on my decision to be part of this organization, even amidst my busy

schedule, I came to realize it’s an opportunity to serve others and give back for

the many blessings God has bestowed upon me.

For more than three decades, serving others has always been at the center of my

heart; it can be described as who I am as a person at my best. Some of my

greatest joy comes from giving and serving. It is so much better than the

discomfort and distress of focusing exclusively on myself and what’s in it for me.

When anyone makes the shift to supporting others in their life and community

without expecting anything in return and thinks less about what they want, they

will find comfort and joy in the act of giving and serving. That’s when this giving,

loving, serving others becomes real to you. It’s when serving doesn’t feel like a

responsibility but like an opportunity. Each act of service has encouraged me and

others to step up, creating environments where generosity becomes the norm,

not the exception.

I believe serving in the community will help shift mindsets from “me” to “we.” It

promotes collaboration over competition and encourages shared success. At

Hazel’s Prayer Inc., serving others is at the core of our mission. Because we

believe serving others reflects the very character of Christ, who said, “The Son of

Man did not come to be served, but to serve (Matthew 20:28).” This organization

exists to mirror that example.

Service isn't just something you go out and do, but a mindset, a way you live.

Service is as much a mindset as anything you actually do. It’s a way you live

your life, and ideally, a continual responsiveness to all the small daily calls to

care for the world and those in it.

Every act of service, no matter how small, can generate ripples of change.

Service tends to multiply; what starts with one kind gesture can expand into a

movement of generosity. When we give, we grow. Serving others nurtures

gratitude, empathy, and joy. It shifts our focus from what we lack to what we can

share. And as we give freely, we often discover that we receive much more in

return.

Through Hazel’s Prayer Inc. every act of kindness in the relief of poverty, the

advancement of education, sharing the love of Christ, and the promotion of

community health is an opportunity to bring hope and healing to someone in

need. We believe that at the heart of every legacy is service.

Giving back isn’t just about donating money or volunteering. It’s about opening

your heart and using what you have, your time, talents, or compassion, to make

someone else’s life journey better. When we serve others, we strengthen our

communities and remind ourselves that we are all connected. One of the most

rewarding ways to find purpose and connection is through giving back, dedicating

time to help others and sharing kindness in both big and small ways.

Every act of service, no matter how small, carries the power to change lives.

Through serving, we are reminded that we are all connected. It breaks barriers,

heals divisions, and reminds us that when one person rises, we all rise together.

The Hazel’s Prayer Inc. community believes in and respects the dignity of every

individual. It recognizes that each person has value, potential, and purpose. We

don’t serve out of pity; we serve out of love. We walk alongside those in need,

offering support, encouragement, and opportunity for growth.