From My Perspective

  Do we make a difference? Do we desire to make a difference? Can we make a difference? I suppose that the answer to those  questions depends on whether or not we are satisfied with the status quo. As a leader in my profession, I quickly discovered that the majority of people do not like change; most either don’t see the necessity of it or fear that it won’t work. How do we know if change won’t work unless we give it a try? What are we afraid of; could it be fear of the unknown,  failure,  that it might be  too hard, or are we just plain lazy? I for one love change, just ask my dear husband how often in thirty years I have changed the furniture or painted the walls. 

  I thoroughly enjoy watching how God can use me in different ways in different ministries. Each year, instead of making New Year’s resolutions, which I will soon fail to keep, I ask Him to put me into a new ministry or a new area of service. It is in new situations that I am blessed by ministering with those whom I do not know or only  slightly know . It is here that I can make a difference. Did you know that you can make a difference when you: encourage others,  make a wise decision, exert extra effort and serve others, increase your knowledge, ask the right questions, disciple, teach a class, sing a song, be quiet during the invitation, pray in public? You can make a difference when you smile, pat someone on the back, go out of your way, let go of a hurt, give someone the benefit of the doubt, include someone into your circle of friends.

  During the Mission’s Conference, Brother Lancaster gave my husband a CD titled “VIETNAM, IT WAS NOT IN VAIN.” It was the story of an eight year old Vietnamese girl , whose parents escaped capture and came to America. It was in American that this young lady heard the Gospel and was saved. She stated that if it had not been for Americans fighting  for her freedom, she may never have  come to American or have been saved. My husband and many other soldiers made a difference, one they were never aware of until now. How exciting is that?   

  So you see, you do make a difference even though it may not be tangible and you may never know it. The daunting thought is that we  make a difference whether it be for good or for bad.