Pick Up a Star Fish and Make a Difference

Over the past 10 years I have written often about the importance of community in living out the gospel. I have talked about the call of Jesus and what we, who are followers, are asked to do. Ultimately this is summed up in the words from Micah ,”seek justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God”.

From time to time I have invited you to think about the ways in which you can make a difference in a broken and hurting world and even challenged you to think outside the box. Sometimes the whole idea of being the hands and feet of Jesus can be overwhelming. There are so many things that, rightly, call for our attention. When looking at the ways that we should better care for creation; right the injustices that have embedded themselves in our society; show compassion to the hurting; care for the dying; or be the healing hands needed we can feel overwhelmed and powerless. Sometimes what we can do seems to make such a little difference that we often do nothing.

It Makes a Difference

Reflecting on this I am reminded of the story of a little boy who was walking along the beach one day. The beach was littered with star fish who had been washed ashore in the latest storm and were stranded. The little boy began walking and every few seconds he stopped, bent down, and picked up a star fish and threw it back into the sea. He did this over and over again. Meanwhile, an older gentleman had been watching him. After a while he approached the boy and asked what he was doing.

“I am returning these starfish to their home in the sea so that they may live.” replied the boy.

“But there are so many.” the man said, “you cannot possibly make a difference.”

The boy smiled, bent down, picked up a starfish and threw it into the sea.

“It makes a difference to this one.” he said.

The Story of a Young Woman Named Meaghan

Sometimes I am painfully aware of the fact that there is so much pain and hurt and suffering, so much injustice and I wonder how I can possible make a difference. It is impossible to respond to every situation. Then I remember the story and realize that I can make a difference to one. Which brings me to another story that I want to share with you today. This is the story of a young woman, age 30, named Meaghan.

Meghan is a member of my extended faith family. I have watched her as she struggled through her teen years, celebrated with her as she graduated high school and headed off to university. Although I have not seen her much since she went to University I have still followed her progress into adulthood. On Friday of last week I received the news that her journey has taken a drastic turn. She finds herself at a crossroad between life and death. She has an issue with her lungs that requires her to have a double lung transplant in order to live. This will mean moving to Toronto to be close to the hospital and waiting, praying, that lungs will become available. The journey will be taxing – physically, emotionally, spiritually and financially.

I immediately wondered “What can I do?” While, in some respects there is little that I can do, I realize that there is something.

First and foremost I can hold her in prayer and release all the positive energy I can into the Universe.
Secondly, I can see what I can do financially. It occurred to me that I have about 300 people who read my blog each week. If every person gave $10 that would mean $3000 to help her along the way.

Pick Up a Star Fish and Make a Difference

I have never done this before and may never do it again but today I am asking you to pick up a star fish and make a difference in one person’s life. If you are in a place where you can spare $10 please make a contribution to Meaghan’s journey. Donations can be made through Go Fund Me (just click the underlined, blue words or the picture and it will take you straight to the site.) or if you are in Truro and want to drop it off to me that would also be great. I will see that the money gets to her and will let you all know how much we were able to raise.

Blessings
Valerie