I'm Just Sayin'

For my birthday, a friend gave me a ring. It’s a simple silver band, with a not-so-simple quote engraved on it.

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Leave it to Ghandi to challenge and inspire in just ten words.

In the work that I do, I see lots of things that I wish were different. I wish that children weren’t starving. I wish that little girls weren’t abused. I wish that little boys didn’t have to work 12-hour days. I wish that governments weren’t corrupt. I wish that families always loved.

I wish.

But it’s not just people in far-flung villages. I desire change in my very own community. I wish I knew my neighbors. I wish my friends didn’t hurt. I wish people loved more than they judged.

I wish.

But what am I doing? What am I doing to be that change I want to see?

What are you doing?

I give to a ministry that helps the poor. But am I influencing others to do the same? Am I living out my desire to serve the poor in my daily life?

I write articles about child abandonment. But am I praying for the hundreds of thousands of children who have nobody to care for their most basic needs?

I am even more convicted about those hurting around me. When was the last time I talked to one of my neighbors? Why do I let my fear of rejection stop me from smiling, saying hello, introducing myself?

I believe God has called me to help the poor. To give to the needy. But what am I doing in my own zip code? Is serving a meal at a church once a year enough? What about the other 364 days?

I wish to see more love. Am I loving more?

I wish to see less hurt. Am I praying for healing?

I wish for change. Am I changing?

I can’t stop at the wishing.

I must be.