Let’s be honest: the world is a messy, crazy place full of unknowns, disappointment, and ultimately, extreme brokenness. Turning off the news, looking away from that discouraging headline, and turning a blind eye to other people’s brokenness are all ways we cope. We also seek distractions: Netflixing the day away, scrolling endlessly through Instagram, and swiping left and right are just some of the many ways we try to take our mind off the bad and escape for a bit.
Perhaps part of the reason we want to distance ourselves from reality so much is because we get overwhelmed thinking and feeling as if there is absolutely nothing we can do to change the harsh world we live in or to help the hurting. I am here to tell you that you have a responsibility to use the one, beautiful, precious life you are living for good. You (and I) need to learn how to roll with our roles.
You’ve heard this before but I will say it again: you are a unique human being who matters and can make a difference in this world that literally no one else can because no one else has the capacity to be you! What talents do you have? Do you enjoy baking? Whip up your favorite recipe, sell it, and use the proceeds for good. Do you like to play guitar? Book a show at your favorite coffee shop and use your platform to educate people about an organization you are passionate about. Fill in the blank, use those creative juices I know are flowing through you, and share your gifts!
For those who are still in college or are just making it from paycheck to paycheck, we understand that your resources are precious, and that’s ok! But would you consider donating just $5 a month? You could sacrifice your Netflix or Hulu account and spend some extra time reading and being creative for a few weeks, so it’s a win, win. Or maybe you could ride your bike to work one day to cut out that extra gas expense? Again, be creative! Even if $5 seems like a small amount, literally every dollar counts in pursuing the betterment and restored dignity of other human beings.
Lastly, you have a tribe. . .people who love you and care about you. Set a goal using Facebook or a GoFundMe to rally your fanbase behind you and raise money for something you are passionate about. If you show people who love you that you are passionate about something, we know they will get behind you.
Friend, we are all in this together! It’s frustrating, it’s hard, and it’s discouraging to see a world with so much hurt, but we are all a part of the change. YOU are a part of the change.