It Takes a Village
By Jim Davis
For the past few weeks, we’ve been sending emails demonstrating ways in which single individuals have made a positive difference in the lives of the people around them. We told the story of a Russian soldier who dared to disobey orders and, in doing so, saved the world from a nuclear holocaust. We talked about Queen Esther, who was in the right place at the right time to save the Jews from genocide in ancient Persia. Closer to home, we talked about an ordinary CPA from Springboro who impacted the lives of thousands of people in the Miami Valley, a single mother who made her living as a waitress, while recruiting volunteers for the Life Enrichment Center, and a recovered addict who uses his experience to help others recover from addictions. We also talked about the founding of the Life Enrichment Center – – how one person followed his faith to help others transform their lives and their community.
Every change requires a catalyst. The change begins with a person who has a vision of a brighter future and the belief that he or she can make change a reality, and who has the courage and determination to keep moving forward in the face of adversity, and who has faith that God will provide the resources they need to succeed. It begins with One.
But One is not enough. One person alone cannot effect ongoing, sustainable change. Change takes others who also believe in the vision and are willing to help. The need is for people who understand that everyone has value, people who feel joy in helping people transform their lives for the better, and who see the potential to transform rundown neighborhoods into vibrant communities. The need is for people who are willing to volunteer their time and their gifts to help achieve God’s purpose.
Change takes people like Us.
It Begins with One. Will that One be You . . .
