QUOTATION OF THE WEEK

Everyone wants to do something to help, but nobody wants to be first.
--Pearl Bailey, 1918-1990, American singer

We see many things and people throughout our lives who need help. They need someone to do something that can make a difference, but how often are we the first one to create that difference? Realizing that something or someone needs help is one thing, but being the first to help takes courage. Joining the bandwagon and jumping in to help is one thing, but what about being the builder of the bandwagon. It is true that we can get overwhelmed with the many injustices that take place in our world. We feel helpless when confronted with the pain and suffering that we hear about and witness. However, if we do nothing about anything, then we sow what we reap--nothing! The Serenity Prayer by Reinhold Niebuhr states:

God grant me the
Serenity to accept the things I cannot change . . .
Courage to change the things I can . . .
and Wisdom to know the difference . . .

The "Courage to change the things I can . . ." is at the heart of our being able to make a difference in the lives of others. You can create the spark that ignites change: finding the courage to speak out when you see an injustice being done to another; giving help to someone less fortunate, even in a small way; or, the bending against the tide of public opinion when you feel in your heart that a voice must be heard and you become that voice. These things can start the river of change. Taking action can lead to others joining in. Often people follow because they do not have the courage themselves to be the first to speak their real convictions, but when someone else does--perhaps you--then the tide turns and change takes place. Easy? No! Yet the rewards of being the person to take that first step are great. Be that person!

Blessings and love,
Allen Schmeltz