NBC Nightly News has started a new series this month. Seeing that the mood of the people in their audience was notably depressed, they looked for “good news” – a term that will sound familiar to many of our readers! And to get this news, Brian Williams issued a call to the world on March 4th. Send in your stories of people you see or know who are “making a difference.”
And the stories have come pouring in. They include stories of a landlord who, knowing that many of his tenants were short on money and out of work, offered half price rent to all who needed lower rent and would work in a soup kitchen, food pantry, or homeless shelter to help others in need. Another story shared the offer of a barber who offered haircuts for free to people out of work. Another came from a woman who was handed an envelope with cash in it while in the grocery store line with the words, “If you need this, take it. If not, pass it on to the next person.” And as she watched the envelope get passed along she looked in amazement as people did not take money out but put money in for someone else instead! You can see these and many other stories filled with “good news” by going to Making a Difference at the NBC web site.
But we also have observed a common thread in every one of these stories! Every one these stories did not involve huge added resources! It simply took someone with an abundant spirit to BE who they are, SEE what they have, and DO what matters! Who are you? What do you have? And what can you do that matters? People asking and answering these three purposeful questions are out there, living stories of good news, making a difference in their world. You and your organizations can too!
Two children in my congregation saved what we would call 'change' that they received for doing chores, etc. around the house. They brought the Orange Pig to church and asked me to get the money to the poor. Now our Hunger Campaign is called Feed the Pig. And the little ones shall lead them!
Posted by: Rev. Gail R. Wolling | March 21, 2009 at 10:30 AM