You Make a Difference
A couple days ago my son asked me to watch a documentary on TV about a young man named Terry Fox. It was late and I was tired, but for some reason I felt the need to watch this program. The story was about a 22 year old young man diagnosed with cancer in eastern Canada in 1980. Within hours it was determined that one of his legs would have to be amputated. Understand that this young man was a basketball and track standout, so needless to say, this was devastating. What makes Terry’s story special is what he did shortly thereafter to make a difference.
With his prosthetic leg, he set out to run across Canada which was a 5300 mile journey. His goal was to raise money and awareness for the Canadian Cancer Association. His journey began with little to no fanfare. It was just him and a friend following behind in an old van. The days and the miles went by and they had collected a few hundred dollars from curious passer bys. Then something amazing started to happen. The media picked up interest, the story started to spread, and Terry became a celebrity. He ran during the day and held media events at night. His cause started bringing in millions as the miles ticked down. Then one day the unexpected happened. Terry began feeling bad so he made a stop at a local hospital to find out his cancer had returned. Terry Fox lost his battle with cancer 1000 miles short of his goal but look at what he did. The Terry Fox Foundation has raised over 500 million dollars to help fight the battle of cancer. The annual Terry Fox 10K draws more than 60,000 people. I guess it is true that one person can make a difference.
I was speaking to a friend this week and made the comment that it is time we make a difference. Now I say that to you “it is time you (we) make a difference.” God gave us certain gifts that can make our world a better place to live IF we choose to use them. Most, if not all, people try hard to side step God’s call in our lives fearing that we will have to give up to much to follow him. I have learned recently that you give up more by not following him.
I plan to make a difference starting today and I hope you do too. I would like to suggest something to each of you to spark the thought process. If you haven’t already read the little blue book called “The Greatest Miracle in the World” then I urge you to do so. If you have and it has been awhile, read it again. You, your friends, your family, and most of all, your God deserve the best you that you can give them. It is time, are you ready?
Oh one more thing, if you feel that your past or present is hindering you from making a difference I challenge you to make a message out of your messes. Tomorrow dawns a new day and new opportunity don’t let it pass you by. God needs you and so do we.
May the peace and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you always
Dale Childress
With his prosthetic leg, he set out to run across Canada which was a 5300 mile journey. His goal was to raise money and awareness for the Canadian Cancer Association. His journey began with little to no fanfare. It was just him and a friend following behind in an old van. The days and the miles went by and they had collected a few hundred dollars from curious passer bys. Then something amazing started to happen. The media picked up interest, the story started to spread, and Terry became a celebrity. He ran during the day and held media events at night. His cause started bringing in millions as the miles ticked down. Then one day the unexpected happened. Terry began feeling bad so he made a stop at a local hospital to find out his cancer had returned. Terry Fox lost his battle with cancer 1000 miles short of his goal but look at what he did. The Terry Fox Foundation has raised over 500 million dollars to help fight the battle of cancer. The annual Terry Fox 10K draws more than 60,000 people. I guess it is true that one person can make a difference.
I was speaking to a friend this week and made the comment that it is time we make a difference. Now I say that to you “it is time you (we) make a difference.” God gave us certain gifts that can make our world a better place to live IF we choose to use them. Most, if not all, people try hard to side step God’s call in our lives fearing that we will have to give up to much to follow him. I have learned recently that you give up more by not following him.
I plan to make a difference starting today and I hope you do too. I would like to suggest something to each of you to spark the thought process. If you haven’t already read the little blue book called “The Greatest Miracle in the World” then I urge you to do so. If you have and it has been awhile, read it again. You, your friends, your family, and most of all, your God deserve the best you that you can give them. It is time, are you ready?
Oh one more thing, if you feel that your past or present is hindering you from making a difference I challenge you to make a message out of your messes. Tomorrow dawns a new day and new opportunity don’t let it pass you by. God needs you and so do we.
May the peace and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you always
Dale Childress
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