14 April, 2019

Can We Make a Difference in the World?

Hey friends! It's been a long time, and I'm not sure I can see regular blogging in sight. But I am excited to share what one of my amazing friends, Oasis, shared with me! I appreciate her honest approach and lighthearted way of writing, and she has such a good message:

One of my favourite quotes is "Be the change you want to see in the world," typically associated with Mahatma Gandhi. According to Ranseth, J (2015) Gandhi did not actually say that direct quote, however, the principle of the quote is what Gandhi stood for. So, whether Gandhi said it or not, whoever said it, it's still my favourite quote.

So, back to the question, 'Can we make a difference in this world?' A lot of people are overwhelmed by the question, 'If you could make the world a better place, what would you do and why?'. When asked, they look around and go, 'I don't know, I mean, there are so many things wrong with this world'.

Well, I can't blame them; there are a lot of negative things in this world and we could so very easily just give up, be complacent and say, 'Well, I'm not going to do anything because it's not like I'm going to make a difference'. When people answer with such lack of passion, I feel like pressing a buzzer and saying, 'Brrr, wrong answer'. Unfortunately, I've never had a buzzer handy and have to just nod in agreement with a smile on my face to cover up my disappointment. #Grin&BearIt

To me, the reasoning to such a track of thought is absolutely ridiculous. It's like saying to an environmentalist, 'Oh, don't tell me to put my rubbish in the bin, everyone isn't bothering to do it, so, me doing it isn't going to make a difference'. What has happened to care in this world? Have people lost all hope and meaning in life?

From my perspective, I see picking up rubbish as a movement to making the world a better place. If one puts rubbish in the bin, it's an example that has the potential to lead others to do the same. It may not, and that doesn't mean there is no point in doing it; one less bottle cap in the sea is one less for a turtle to choke on.

So, to make the world a better place, I would start where I am and make my world better. I would do this by giving people I meet in my life - stranger or friend, work colleague or family member, job provider or employer - my time and encouragement. I would make the world a better place by showing others that what they wear, what they own, what they buy, does not bring them value. What makes them valuable is who they are and what they bring to life.

Everyone on this earth is valuable and each one of us can make a positive difference to the world. This may sound whimsical, naive or cliche, but I doubt saying, "A fraction of people on this earth are valuable and only rich people in high places can make positive change" is going to provide the positive, feel-good vibes I'm aiming for, plus, I'd be lying.

Here's another quote I'd like to share, by a woman who I'd never heard of before, but I'd probably be friends with her because she seems pretty cool. 'Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has' - Margaret Mead. Her statement reminds me of Rosa Parks who started the movement against segregation on buses; apparently she didn't mean to, she just wanted a seat because her legs were tired, but it got the job done! Sometimes, just being yourself and standing up makes a difference!

In conclusion, yes! we can make a difference to this messed up world, one step at a time. It doesn't even mean we have to go out of our way to do so either. Just by putting a bit more love into your work or adding a few extra sprinkles on your baked cupcakes for someone's birthday or picking up a piece of rubbish, could be the positive change that brings a smile to someone's face and your own.

Thanks so much for your encouragement, Oasis! I really like the emphasis on doing the best with the opportunities we have. Changing the world doesn't have to complex and unattainable - it's the little things we do consistently that make the biggest difference. Never underestimate the impact you have!

How do you find yourself changing the world? Are you ever overwhelmed with all the darkness and hate that's present sometimes (me too!)? What's one way someone has lightened your life before? And what's been happening for you, seeing as it's been so long since I've posted? I think of you all often. xx 

8 comments:

  1. Wow this is so true. Thank you for the encouragement!

    Sophy- sophyslighthouse.blogspot.com

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  2. Thank you so much for sharing this reminder! <3
    -Brooklyne

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  3. Jess, you have made such a difference in my world through these posts, encouragements, prayers. ♥ Maybe that's the key - to seek Jesus in every little moment and to love like He does. I'm thankful for you, girl!

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  4. I believe in making a change for the future so we can all have a nice planet. Frederic Michel-Verdier

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  5. Great content, thank you for sharing. Looking forward for more!

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  6. Hello Jessica. I am a Pastor from Mumbai, India. I am glad to stop by your profile on the blogger and the blog post. I am also blessed and feel privileged and honoured to get connected with you as well as know you and about your interest in having hunger for God and to live and love unashamed. Your conclusion leaves a very positive note that we can make a differece in the world. Thank you for a very encouraging post. I am blessed and have enjoyed going through it. I love getting connected with the people of God around the globe to be encouraged, strengthened and praying for one another. I have been in the Pastoral ministry for last 40 yrs in this great city of Mumbai a city with a great contrast where richest of rich and the poorest of poor live. we reachout to the poorest of poor with the love of Christ to bring healing to the brokenhearted. we also encourage young and the adults from the west to come to Mumbai to work with us during their vacation time. We would love to have you come to Mumbai with your friends to work with us during your vacation time. I am sure you will have a life changing experience. Looking forward to hear from you very soon. god's richest blessings on you your family and friends also wishing you a blessed and a Christ centered New year 2020. My email id is:dhwankhede(at)gmail(dot)com and my name is Diwakar Wankhede

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