Jeanette Salbert

One day I was watching Oprah Winfrey; her guest was Caroline Myss, author of Sacred Contracts. “I have to get that book!” I thought. Reflection on the contents of that book led me on a journey that clarified for me what my life is about. I’d like to share some of those reflections with you.

Life is precious. All of God’s creatures deserve respect and to be treated with dignity. Even as a child I was drawn to the less fortunate. The last person chosen in a pick-up game received my sympathy. The lonely grandmother next door sitting on her porch caused me to visit and just spend time with her.

When I began teaching it was the quiet child, the class bully, the scared child that received my attention. My God gifted me to reach out to them and make them feel useful and important.

I remember a teacher once said to me, “If you can’t help him, he’s a lost soul.” I began to feel the heavy responsibility and a dread of failure. I wanted this “gift” to vanish so I would not feel another’s pain. Slowly, I began to realize it would remain because it is part of who I am.

So when a group of women made it a priority to “free the oppressed and bring new life”, I found a home where I can continue to fulfill my “Sacred Contract”. Today I am the secretary at a parish church.

I thank my God for a warm and caring heart. I thank my parents, family and friends for nurturing it. I thank my religious community for keeping it alive.

Mission Experience

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