Written by: Pastor Hank Webb
Selflessness is shown in action, not in word.
In today's society, selflessness is a word that seems to have been misplaced… but not in the world of Ellie Harlan. Ellie is a senior at Ashland High School who seems to embrace the true meaning of selflessness.
Ellie’s early involvement with Matthew 25 Outreach Center came about when Ellie was looking to fulfill her volunteer hours required for National Honor Society (NHS). When Ellie started volunteering, however, it was not long before she discovered that her desire to volunteer with M25OC would extend far beyond her hourly volunteer commitment for NHS.
A member of Grace Brethren's Youth Group, Ellie embraces the fact that you can show the love of Jesus outside of four walls. Ellie is a great example of what selflessness looks like. Just ask fellow volunteer, Glen, who has been impressed with her ever since she started volunteering at M25OC.
Selflessness is often defined as, “concern with the needs of others more than one’s own.” For Ellie, having already fulfilled her required NHS hours was not enough. She had a strong desire to keep serving. Ellie could be spending her Saturdays on the couch. Instead, she travels to the M25OC Mansfield site as often as she can.
If you were to ask Ellie what has been her favorite part of volunteering, she would quickly answer, “Showing God’s Love.” Ellie enjoys the work of not only giving out food to nourish the body, but also showing love for her fellow neighbor to nourish the soul.
In addition to volunteering at Matthew 25 Outreach Center, Ellie is also a member of the varsity soccer team, NHS, Campaigner Club, and Young Life. Ellie plans on attending Grace College after graduation, where she will major in education with hopes of becoming a teacher. She will also have the opportunity to play soccer in college as well.
It is always invigorating to see a young woman like Ellie, who, with such a promising future ahead of her, does not forget to put the needs of others ahead of her own. In today's society, selflessness is a word that seems to have been misplaced. But with young women like Ellie Harlan leading the way, selflessness is bound to make a comeback in the near future.