"Do for one what you wish you could do for all"

Andy Stanley of North Point Community Church in Georgia coined the phrase, “Do for one what you wish you could do for all”. On Friday, March 2, 2012 the winds came handing out tornadoes that crossed the landscapes destroying homes, property and even claiming the lives of victims in her path of fiery on that afternoon. London, Kentucky and particularly the East Bernstadt Community took the brunt of the storm leaving behind the devastation of just seconds of wind. Thousands volunteered and responded to the immediate needs providing services and goods to help those impacted and who suffered loss. Churches united under the umbrella and cause as did organizations and other institutions including Union College in Barbourville who sent student athletes to lend a helping hand. “Do for one what you wish you could do for all” is the goal at Hawk Creek Church in London, Ky. Their members and attenders have responded like many of you but now they are going the second mile by attempting to do for one family what they wish they could do for every family impacted. Help them back to where they were from the ground up. This singular undertaking is a big decision and one that is being made in Christian Faith, to do for one what they wish as a church they could do for everyone. Sometimes that battle that rages within us as individuals and organizations is that with limited resources we end up doing nothing at all because we cannot do for everyone. In a good effort we want to make a difference but see the difference out of reach. Truth is, the goal of helping everyone individually is out of reach for one church or organization. However, it is not out of the reach of God if we each did our single part to make a difference. It is not out of the touch of God if we each gave of our expertise, skill and talent. God can use our gift with the gifts of others and then not just a little difference is made, but a BIG difference is made. God can only use us if we are willing to allow ourselves to be used by Him. In 1985, at the age of 21, I was struck with a rare form of arthritis that took me from health teenager to a wheelchair in 30 days. I had never prepared for or even thought of such an illness happening to me. 26 years later, I am still battling sero-negative arthritis & ankylosing spondylitis. I made a promise to God that if I ever walked again I would never complain and I would let a smile on my face show. He touched me enough to get me up and going again and I am holding up my end of the deal too. Not complaining, still smiling and attempting to do my part of making the world a better place. “Do for one what you wish you could do for all” is my theme as I participate in my 2nd Marathon event on April 28th. I am writing asking if you will join me in helping to make the difference for one. Would you sponsor me for $1.00 a mile for the 13.1 miles in the Nashville Music City Marathon? I am not skilled enough to build a home, but I can do plenty of things to support those with that talent to build. I do not have the talent to run the electrical wiring in a home, but I can support those who have the knowhow and skill. There are plenty of things I cannot do, but by flipping the coin there are plenty of things I can do, should do, and with His help, will do. Walking for ONE is something that I can do, and will do. I might only raise $13.00 but I could raise $1300. Or $13,000. Dollars with your help. Life often hands outs things that we are not prepared for, nor were we expecting. The happenings of life can catch us off guard and while we will have immediate reactions once we have let things settle from the surprise, it is time to have a response. Today, I am ready to respond to the physical storms of March 2, 2012. I am ready to “Do for one what I wish I could do for all”. Sscriptures teaches to whom much is given, much is required. For me, walking is a gift and I will use it for someone else’ benefit. Together has a nice sound to it when spoken out loud. It also has a positive impact when demonstrated through cooperation and commitment. Will you help make a difference for one? Until then