People who effortlessly extend kindness to others will always stand out among the crowd. We remember them not because of their wealth, education, or status, but based on how they make us feel. Their smiles are genuine and infectious, and there's an immediate connection as if we've known them forever. Anyone privileged to cross paths with Bettie L. Williams knows she is one of those special people.
We initially connected through a colleague who recommended Bettie as a subject matter expert for an annual workshop series I was planning. Bettie graciously volunteered her time to serve on a Saturday. She captivated the audience with her down-to-earth and insightful contributions. Her participation provided some of the brightest and most encouraging moments for our attendees and me.
Bettie volunteered to help hundreds of neighborhood leaders simply because we asked her to. It wasn't a part of her job; she wasn't selling anything, nor did she expect a favor in return. She was simply willing to give back to a community she cared about.
Throughout the day, she went out of her way to pull me aside multiple times to tell me that she was the one honored to be there, rather than the other way around.
The sincerity in every humble word she spoke is why I will never forget her. Sometimes it is the smallest of acts and simplest words spoken, that end up meaning the most to others.
Bettie's Message: Everyone Has a Role in Building Strong Communities
Bettie strongly believes in participating in community outreach initiatives and emphasizes that effective outreach involves building meaningful connections between neighbors and the entire community.
"Being a part of a community goes beyond geographical location or social network; it entails a sense of connection and responsibility for the community's well-being. Everyone plays a role in it!"
She stresses the importance of taking action to meet the needs of people in the community, stating that "engagement is an action word." She also encourages everyone to get involved in their communities by understanding the local needs but emphasizes that "taking action is equally important.".
She believes that the most important qualities for making a significant impact in the lives of others include being unafraid to serve, always acting with integrity, and having a passion for helping others.
She also believes that choosing to assist those in need can ignite a passion and motivate us to make a positive difference in our communities.
Beyond the Church Walls: How Bettie and Her Friends Serve Their Community
Bettie has always been an active member of her church and strongly believes in combining social action with evangelism.
One day, she and a few friends were going door to door to distribute information about their church when they encountered several neighbors who were complaining about a faulty streetlight. The neighbors shared that the lights would change too quickly, causing numerous accidents and injuries at the intersection where they were standing.
They could have chosen to keep walking, but she and her friends decided to try and find a solution. After watching the streetlight for a few minutes, they discovered that its timing was off. It was evident that senior adults and individuals with mobility issues would have difficulty crossing the street within such a short time frame.
"None of us had mobility issues, so when we realized that even we could not cross the street before the light changed, we knew we had to help."
They decided to help by calling and meeting with their city representatives. After a little persistence from her team over the next few weeks, the city agreed to change the timing of the streetlight. This was one of several memories Bettie was proud to share and point out that wouldn't have happened if she hadn't been walking around her community to invite her neighbors to church.
Mexico: A Life-Changing Mission Trip
Bettie has dedicated her life to serving others and is involved in various missionary work. She also recounted a mission trip to Mexico that became a transformative experience for her. She vividly remembers the impoverished living conditions of the children she encountered and the desperate need for basic supplies.
"Seeing the children's quality of life was the most difficult thing for me. They lived in houses with tent roofs to protect them from the sun and rain. Their floor was made of dirt, and they didn't have access to electricity or running water."
The stark contrast between her own life and theirs struck her deeply. As their truck entered the community, the children recognized the vehicle filled with food and clothing and ran behind it, eagerly anticipating the relief it would bring. The situation required careful management. "There were so many children that we had to stop before reaching the village. We had to explain that they needed to go back home and that we would come to them with the resources," Bettie recalled.
Eventually, after reconnecting with their parents, the children waited as the team distributed the supplies. Despite the language barrier, Bettie felt a strong calling to share a message of love. "I didn't speak Spanish, but they had an interpreter. God told me the night before that I needed to talk to them about His love. Just talk about love," she shared. Her heartfelt speech focused on John 3:16 and resonated deeply, bringing many to tears and sparking gratitude as they felt the profound love of God.
"It is an experience that I will never forget. I've never experienced anything like it before in my life. I was changed because of that mission trip."
The trip not only altered her perspective but also reinforced her commitment to serving others, highlighting the transformative power of compassion and faith.
Lessons Learned: Sacrifices and Blessings
Her journey in helping others was filled with moments where she and her family had to dig deep into their own pockets, especially when resources were scarce. However, those sacrifices never felt like a burden to her.
"Sometimes, we had to reach deep into our pockets, even when resources were scarce, because we felt the importance of making that sacrifice."
Looking back, she wishes someone had emphasized the personal impact of community outreach and the importance of being prepared to count the costs. Knowing how to find additional resources and personal support in your community engagement efforts are skills she now shares with others serving in their community. She explained,
"There's often a need for financial backing, and there are plenty of resources available to help. Other people are willing to pitch in, and I wish I had known that from the start. We could have helped so many more people."
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on her experiences, Bettie L. Williams is grateful for the invaluable lessons she has learned over the years. Each one has given her new tools to share with others hoping to build and strengthen their community. Her story reminds us that although our journeys will all look different and some may require more personal sacrifices than others, the impact and lives changed by choosing to serve others will always make it worthwhile.