Sometimes I just need to hear the words again to be reminded that even ordinary people like me can make a difference. It’s true, you know. It really is. Ordinary people like me can do extraordinary things sometimes.
Oh I am not saying that I am extraordinary. Quite the contrary. I am just an ordinary 50 something (and counting) woman who tries to take it one day at a time.
Chris and I visited a different church recently and the guest preacher reminded me through her sermon that God used and still uses ordinary people and allows them to do extraordinary things. The sermon focused on Rahab and a brief description of Rahab would have to include that she was shockingly a prostitute who lived in Jericho and assisted the Israelites in capturing the city. It involved a red rope and if you are unfamiliar with the story you can read all about it in the second chapter of Joshua in the Old Testament.
The thing that I was reminded of once again is that God uses everyone – even people like me. Rahab was an unlikely person to be of any help to the Israelites but she was indeed crucial to the story of Jericho. Throughout history there have been many people who have made huge differences in the way the world has been shaped. Many of these people have been just like you and me. Not rich. Not people with a huge deal of influence or power. Not people who have super intelligence. Just people. Plain old people.
So how do “we” make a difference and move from ordinary to extraordinary? I suggest that we just stop and consider for a moment where we are at any particular point and just stop and be aware. There are so many ways that mere mortals like you and I can make a difference here in our world. I probably preach it too often but it is true. Find what you are passionate about and just do something. If you love animals find a shelter to volunteer at walking dogs or cleaning cages. If you are an advocate of stopping domestic violence find a shelter that needs your expertise in your advocacy. Are you good with our older generation? Volunteer at a local nursing home or deliver Meals on Wheels. I guarantee you any place that you offer to help will find a way to use your talents.
I get passionate about Comments for a Cause. That is the one thing on this blog that brings me the most joy. If I can bring to light to even one new person a cause that they did not know about before reading my blog then I consider it an extraordinary success. This month I urge you to comment for our wonderful recipient The Women’s Prison Book Project. I think it is an amazing project and one that encompasses so many wonderful things–books and ensuring the access of them to those who are incarcerated. That is a win win in my book.
So tell me. What are you passionate about today? What do you hear that small still voice telling you to do? In what ways can you move from ordinary to extraordinary?
