Martin Luther King Jr. was not the only person working toward equality for all during the civil rights movement. Let’s not have any misunderstandings about that. He also was passionate about a lot more than civil rights. But I think it is safe to say that he was an amazing man. He was a leader. His letter from the Birmingham Jail is convicting to read, and in a way prophetic. He had more courage than most of America put together.
He knew that he was just one man. But he still acted. He knew he couldn’t change the minds of every person in the world. He couldn’t make the world a better place for everyone. But he could do something. So he did. And look what it turned into. This could be said of many people throughout history…I just chose MLK because today we celebrate his life, and mourn the death of a great man.
So what do I take from his example? Do something. Whether it is giving a couple bucks to a charity, donating an hour or two at the food bank, or much much more…nothing I can do will ever change the world. But I could change the life of someone. What I have to offer, God will use.
There are so many children who desperately need help. Will you help one? I have folders for five children who need sponsors right now! Their lives have all been severely affected by the AIDS crisis. They all need hope and love and help to get out of poverty. They are children just like yours and mine. They like soccer and dolls and helping their parents with chores. Some of them go to school, and others cannot because they have too much responsibility at home or are too sick. They have friends and celebrations. They have favorite colors and foods. They smile and laugh and cry. They are precious.
When you think about how many children need help, it can be daunting. But if you help one child through sponsorship you have changed his or her life forever. You don’t need to change the world. Helping one child will make a difference.
Sponsorship is only $35 a month. Can you help a child? I can get you set up today! Email me at kmlsmith@gmail.com and you can get more information, or get started helping a child.
I am reminded of this story by Loren Eiseley that you may have heard before too:
Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work. One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up.
As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean. He came closer still and called out “Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?”
The young man paused, looked up, and replied “Throwing starfish into the ocean.”
“I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?” asked the somewhat startled wise man.
To this, the young man replied, “The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them in, they’ll die.”
Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, “But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can’t possibly make a difference!”
At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, “It made a difference for that one.”