I remember a conversation I was having when I was in my early 20's (and knew everything) with an older woman about all the "social ills" taking place . You know, discussions of poverty, education, violence... etc... As I was talking about (really complaining about) these issues this kind, patient, compassionate woman asked me a question that stopped my in my tracks. She said, "Wow, those are a lot of problems to worry about. But let me ask you this, what are you doing about it? Are you just complaining about these issues while waiting for someone else to take care of the problem, or are you actively seeking to be part of the solution?" (You can insert the sound of a semi truck coming to a screeching halt here).
As the political scene begins to heat up in the face of the upcoming presidential election, it seems that the level of complaint ratchets up as well. Now listen, I'm not saying that we shouldn't hold our government officials accountable for finding solutions to our problems. However, why are we waiting for our government to fix things? Last I checked, this country belonged to all of us, not just those in office. So if we own this country, don't we then, by default, own some of the accountability for coming up with solutions also? We as individuals need to step up and come up with solutions on our own. We need to grab ownership of not only pointing out the problems, but also take on the responsibility to find and implement solutions.
"Whatever the problem, be part of the solution. Don't just stand around raising questions and pointing out obstacles." Tina Fey
"I alone can't change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples." Mother Teresa
"If you can't feed a hundred people, then just feed one." Mother Teresa
"Do small things with great love." Mother Teresa
Finding ways to "help" often means being humble. I think we often want to somehow implement a big "grand" solution. We are not interested in the small stuff. In fact, we often do not see the value in the small. I for one, know that there are people out there like Bill Gates, who have the money and influence to do great things on a big scale. I am not at that level. But, I can do something on a smaller scale. My stone may be smaller than Bill Gates, but my ripples in the water can, and will have an effect. It's a cop-out to say that I can't do anything because I have less than someone else to give. I don't think God expects you to give beyond what you have, but he does expect you to give what you can. Does that make sense?
When tackling the issues around you, you need to let go of this notion that because someone has more than you, they should be the one to shoulder all the burden. It is not your job to point this out to them. God is not going to hold you responsible for what someone else does. He will, however, hold you responsible for what you do.
Can you imagine the change that could take place in this world if we all just did our part? If we simply set aside all of the thoughts about what we can't do, and instead focused on what we can do? You see, what we are all to share love. And love is an action word, not a descriptive word. True love requires action.
"Identify your problems but give your power and energy to solutions." Tony Robbins
Let's shift our thinking. Instead of complaining, lets figure out what small thing we can do to help solve the problem. Let's turn our nation into a nation of doers instead of complainers. Let's learn the value of small loving actions. Quit waiting for someone else to come sweeping in with a big solution. Quit pointing out what other people are not doing and instead focus on what you are doing.
Yes, there are a lot of social wrongs and ills in the world today. Things like poverty, hunger, illiteracy, violence, etc.. So I ask you today, What are you doing about it?
I'll leave you with this quote from JFK engraved in stone at Arlington National Cemetery.
