5 Passions

Taken from this list, what are 5 passions of mine?  And how can I differentiate this from 5 things that make me happy?  There is a lot of overlap, but I will to vary the list. 

1.  Social Work: The National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics embraces these principles: service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence.  These principles, in my humble opinion, align pretty perfectly with the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Do the scriptures not emphasize over and over again our divine nature and the priceless worth of our souls?  Are we not encouraged to love and serve others, and that in so doing we are serving God?  Are we not taught that the same sociality which exists in this life will also exist in the next?  I know I can be better at all of these things, and I continue to strive towards these ideals.

2.  The Inner-City:  Whaaat?  Yes, I love working in the inner-city.  Most people put themselves on the transfer list to a less "ghetto" office once they are able to do so, unless they grew up in the inner-city and therefore feel an obligation to "give back."  I've had many people assume I am in a different office just from looking at me).  I've had people ask why I dd not put myself on the transfer list to get into a more "white" office.  But, I feel I am a good, hard-working, and knowledgeable social worker (most of the time).  I am (by now) a "seasoned veteran" (given the turn-around of this job and especially this office).  And I think that my clients especially deserve these types of social workers because they are in the most need.  A lot of people in this area have so much potential but are not surrounded by people who believe in them or know a different world.

3.  Mental Health: I am glad that society is beginning to understand the limitations that mental health can put on a person.  We still have a long way to go, but I'm glad there is more information out there.  I've long been fascinated with this topic, and it only grew after college (instead of sticking through a major I did not like because I wanted out).  I think this plays into why I like shows like Criminal Minds or follow certain murder trials so closely.  I think in understanding mental illness, we get a better glimpse into human nature in general.

4.  Foster youth: There will always be a soft spot in my heart for foster youth.  I hope one day to be a foster parent and provide these children with the best life possible considering their circumstances.

5.  Beauty:  No, I'm not talking about Hollywood, fashion, or makeup.  I mean the beauty of the earth/nature, the beauty of a person's spirit, the beauty of God's creations.  One reason I love art is because it encompasses the beauty of God's work.