All of us want to make a difference in the world. Movies like Cry Freedom or stories like Three Cups of Tea challenge us to act. How can we though? The actions of Donald Woods, who helped tell the world about apartheid, seem so far from our ordinary lives.
Many people I know have felt helpless as events this week unfolded in the now well known fallout from the Iran Election. On twitter people have changed their avatars in solidarity with those fighting for democracy. While
simply showing support is important, most people would jump at the chance to actually make a difference.
Last summer, after I returned from a short-term teaching trip to China, I wanted to do something to show people my support for the Chinese people. I had recently received a notice from VOM, who works internationally supporting Christians suffering from persecution. In the notice they offered wristbands with “pray for China” written on them. I wore the wristband as a reminder and a conversation piece. It gave me a chance to tell my stories about teaching English to school children in central China. Some may argue that it did not make a difference. I disagree. Mother Teresa once said, “We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.”
After brainstorming with Jon Dale (a member of Seth Godin’s Six Month Alternative MBA program SAMBA), iranwristband.com was born. Within a few hours the website was up, orders were being placed, and money was coming in for those doing work on the ground to end suffering in Iran. It is a great example of a few people making a difference. Never underestimate your own desires for change. Your drop counts.
Photo used under Creative Commons Flickr .faramarz
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