Google “apathy”, and it says that apathy is a state of diminished feeling, emotion, or concern, often paired with low motivation or reduced goal‑directed behavior.  Based upon that definition, I am observing a diminishing level of apathy in our community right now.  It seems like everyone I talk with is highly motivated to do something to show their level of caring for their neighbors.  At Ruth’s House we have seen community caring first hand as we planned for our annual Helping Hearts Event.  The number of hours Ruth’s House volunteers have given to planning and carrying out details for the event is staggering.  They were out seeking donations, working on decorations for the venue and planning every aspect of the event.  This effort has racked up huge numbers of volunteer hours.  These are hours away from their loved ones and their own private pursuits.  According to Michele Reynolds, Ruth’s House Volunteer Administrator, “Ruth’s House volunteers have compassion and empathy and we wouldn’t be where we are without all of our volunteers.”

Why are they doing this?  Because they care about the women and children in crisis who need the safe home that Ruth’s House provides.  They know that the mission of Ruth’s House is so important for the lives of those we serve that they must act.  Our volunteers do not get nearly enough community recognition for their efforts, so it is not recognition that drives them, it is concern for others.  This is the opposite of apathy.  The current events in our great state are stressful.  You would think these men and women would be rolled up in a ball on their couches eating bon bons, but nope, they are doing just the opposite, they are moving throughout Rice County doing what they can for the purpose of helping women and children in crisis.  Wow!

It is not just the Ruth’s House volunteers who are stepping up.  Men and women and children are doing so much in our county right now to help their neighbors that it can be described as more than an individual act, but rather a movement.  This is a movement that is growing and the world is noticing.  I would like to leave you with a slightly shortened version of a Methodist creed, often attributed to John Wesley.  “Do all the good you can, for all the people you can, in all the ways you can, as long as ever you can.”

Nope, apathy is not taking over here.