Editor’s Note: This article is a continuation of a series written by the members of Omega Espresso Bar’s Board of Directors. Each one answers questions or shares why he or she is committed to playing a vital role in Omega’s story as it unfolds.
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Hello again, everyone. Rod here, with some more thoughts about Omega Espresso Bar. You may remember from my sharing earlier here on the blog that I serve on the OEB board.
I can’t help but share more! You see, I have a heart for helping people out. I bet you do too.
Rod Cottis, a member of OEB’s board, shares that the cup is full of love.
Making people feel they are worth something brings me joy. This is especially true for me with those that have found themselves in bad situations. It is so easy for those in need to feel they have no worth and that no one cares.
I will never forget when I was approached by the mother of our first intern. She was worried sick about her daughter, “Mary.” (We’ll call her Mary to protect her identity.) This family wanted the best for their daughter. They were so concerned about her well-being, safety, and health.
Mary had made some bad choices. She was caught in the web of those choices.
If one of my own children were caught up in this sort of situation, I would have been just as worried. I let Mary’s mother know that if she ever wanted to talk about it, I was there for her.
One evening when I was just pulling into the driveway, my phone rang. I did not recognize the number, but answered the call anyway.
It wasn’t Mary’s mom. It was Mary herself, who asked if we could talk.
Over the course of a long conversation, Mary shared with me her worries and concerns. It turned out that her boyfriend was becoming physically abusive and demeaning to her.
As I prayed for wisdom, I gently reminded Mary that anyone who cares for her should never get physically abusive or make her feel ashamed all the time. I told her she really needed to get out of that relationship; it wasn’t too late to make things right.
When we said good-bye, I wasn’t sure our conversation had made any difference. But later on, I found out from Mary’s parents that she had reached out to them afterwards, wanting things to be right again.
Mary made a commitment to her parents to begin this healing process. She also became Omega Espresso Bar’s first intern.
So much has happened since then.
Today, Mary is a changed young lady. She is confident and full of healthy self-esteem. She’s been hired on full-time with the company where she completed her ten-week internship. And she’s happy!
When I see where Mary is now, it makes my heart overflow with joy. God’s grace has changed her life during her time with us. It’s what makes me want to continue to be a part of OEB’s mission: “Empowering Women to Achieve Sustainable Life.”
To those of you who have made our interns feel they are a part of your family, I can’t say thank you enough! Every one of them knows that she is loved and that her life matters.
We are so grateful for you and our partners. Without you, we would have never been able to pour wisdom and love into these hearts and lives.