What can one person do?
I don't know how many times I have asked God, or Michael, or myself this question since the summer of 2009. It seems there are just those times when I feel so small and helpless to do anything to make any kind of difference in this world - especially when I think about all of the lives Michael changed for the better during his lifetime and the incredible impact he has had on the world in so many ways! It seems that his version of what one person can do is so much grander than mine... right?
Well, I guess I just need reminding every now and then that for most of us, making a difference in this world is not about grandiose gestures of kindness and generosity such as those Michael was able to do because of his fame and wealth. It's about each one of us doing our part in our own little corner of the world to live our life in such a way, day by day, that even small acts of genuine caring and respect toward others will make a day better for someone else, or even change their life! Come to think of it, Michael also did many 'small' acts of kindness that went mostly unrecognized at the time. How many stories have we heard since 2009?
We can rest assured that even our small gestures of kindness are not insignificant when we realize that one simple act of caring is a spark of light and love that will spread and grow as those who are touched by our caring decide to pay it forward. And the ripple continues its journey all around the world, changing lives one by one along the way. This is the 'force' that assists human consciousness in its evolution toward Oneness. We are not separate, nor are we ever alone.
It is easy to get discouraged at times and to wonder if our small acts of kindness are really making that much of a difference. Especially when we don't often see the effect of our actions directly. Or when we look around us some days and see only selfishness and greed, feeling that it is much bigger than anything we could ever do to change it! It is precisely during these times of discouragement that we must persevere and remember the larger vision. Michael is our most perfect example. He never gave up, even when he certainly must have lost his hope for humanity at times. He kept going because he just knew...
Everything we do makes a difference... and giving up is not an option!
Charlene,
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear from you! This is a topic I feel strongly about. Ever since Michael left us, I decided to keep several dollars in a special section of my wallet to give to anyone who asks for help. I live in a major city and have felt shameful at times when someone obviously in need asked for any spare change I may have. I would turn away and act like I didn't have any spare money when I did. Even when I was broke, I had food and shelter and a dollar to spare. When MJ died, I looked in the mirror and decided to never turn away again. It's not often someone asks me for help, but when they do and I give, they always say God Bless You. Always. My dollar could ease their suffering a little bit and I get a blessing in return. It also reminds me that it is not my place to judge them. I call this money I carry 'Michael Money'.
Thanks Charlene,
Robin
Robin,
DeleteThank you so much for stopping by and telling your story. I like the idea you shared about carrying 'Michael Money' in a special section of your wallet. I think doing this puts the idea in your mind that this money is reserved just for the purpose of giving it away, and you will be less likely to spend it for any other purpose. I'll have to give that a try! I will occasionally give cash to people who are seeking assistance, but one of my favorite things to do is to pick up an extra meal or sandwich when I'm out for lunch and give it to someone I see standing on the street with a sign. And just as you have experienced, they always say God Bless You to me. Always. No matter what the gift is.
I used to have a hard time doing this kind of thing, but like you, I was also changed after Michael died. I had a major epiphany regarding homeless people (or anybody needing a handout) about 2 1/2 years ago. I think I was finally beginning to get the concept Michael was trying to teach us about us all being One. I wrote a piece about my 'awakening' moment called "That Woman" and posted it here in May of 2011. Feel free to read it, if you wish:
http://mjreflecdtionsheart2heart.blogspot.com/2011/05/call-for-love-devotion-may-23-that.html
A longer version of the piece I posted on the picture above, "What can one person do?" showed up at just the right time for me in a newsletter I received a couple of weeks ago. Every once in a while, I need to be reminded that the small things DO count. Thank you, Michael!! ;)
And thank you, again, Robin for visiting MJ Reflections. It's time to help her spring to life once again!
God Bless You,
Charlene
Char,
ReplyDeleteWhat you write is so beautiful and true. Something that I just realized as I was reading this, is that no matter what we give, it always is a gift to ourselves as well as the other person because it makes us feel so full of Love. I do lots of really small things for Michael, and sometimes I lament at how small they are, but I know I am on the right track because it makes me feel sooooo good! I don't know how I happened to come across your new post, but I am glad you are writing here again!
Love Always,
BJ
What a wonderful reminder. If each person regularly made small kind gestures what a different world this would be! Everything, no matter how small, matters. :)
ReplyDelete