I want to start today with a wonderful quote. It states "at times our light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us." This is a quote from Albert Schweitzer as he reflects in 'not doing it alone' and 'stepping up in life' for us all.
Albert Schweitzer was born in the late 1800's and was a gifted musician, a Lutheran minister, and an amazing humanitarian. He stood behind a particular philosophy called 'reverence of life' and in 1952 was awarded the Nobel Peace prize for his work.
He grew up with religious tolerance in his life; his father was also a pastor. In 1913 Albert and his wife opened a small clinic in Africa called the Albert Schweitzer Hospital. In the first 9 months, the clinic saw over 9000 patients. This clinic became a rock serving the community and Albert it's main worker.
I love this story and his quote. This happening all the time in the world. If we were to stop and take a look at the non-profit organizations serving the Sacramento region we would find many of the groups were started when someone saw the need to serve a part of the population that was not being heard or valued. Thus the birth of another community group to serve selflessly.
A great example of this is a vacation trip by Carol and Steve to Africa in 2001. They went to see the animals but also found that the kids they met could not study because there was no electricity or light. They vowed when they went back they would make a difference.
The second time back they took donated special flashlights to make a difference. I remember the two of them on the pulpit sharing their vision with the congregation and they took back a large number of flashlights to make a difference.
This was the start of the Africa Hope Fund, an organization born to protect education and wildlife in the Zambia region. The organization has opened schools, set up libraries, built new classrooms, helped sponsor local patrols to combat poaching, and made a difference with many other programs that make a difference in the region. In the midst of an adventure a need was identified and Carol and Steve stepped up to make a difference. This is how it begins.
We each have our own way of showing up in this direction. Some friends of ours have been volunteering for many years at a local Hindu center to help with the landscaping. It is something they do that brings comfort and the knowledge of making a difference.
Yet it may be as simple as my church friend. Every Sunday for almost a decade he remains at the end of the church service. He puts away church hymnals, picks up the extra programs, and tidies up. Very few people know he does it. It is not announced. He doesn't receive awards. Yet he makes a difference.
Pick your way of making a difference by being on this planet. It is unique to you and will be your way of showing up on the playing field and making a difference.
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