I’ve been reading this new book called Outlive Your Life: You Were Made to Make A Difference
Life is about becoming the best WE can be, and hopefully lifting others in the process. There was a part in this book that really stood out to me.
“If you are in Christ, God’s Spirit will speak through you.
Let God unshell you. And when he does, “make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that”(Gal. 6:4). Don’t miss the opportunity to discover your language.
With whom do you feel most fluent? Teenagers? Drug addicts? The elderly? You may be tongue-tied around children but eloquent with executives. This is how God designed you. “God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well” (Rom. 12:6).
For whom do you feel most compassion?”
This part spoke to me in such a way, I immediately felt inspired to DO something about it. An idea just came out of nowhere, but it was loud and clear. I thought to myself, I should speak at high schools about my life as a teen. I’ve never thought to do this before, but I feel like this is something I should do in the near future. So many thoughts an idea’s I could expand on, and boy do I have some stories to share. It would be all about self worth of course, because those were the years I felt I had none. I always think, if only I could go back as the person I am now. It would have been a much better experience. I would have studied more, worried about boys less, and focused on reaching out to those who were in need of a friend.
I’ll never forget this boy in one of my classes. He kept to himself most of the time. Nobody ever even noticed him, including myself. He actually sat right in front of me and I never said a single word to him.
Later that year he committed suicide.
I can’t help but think, WHAT IF…
What if I had reached out to him. What if I took interest in him, talked to him, cared about him.
Could I have made a difference?
I love how the author in this book talks about figuring out what our language is. That’s what it’s all about. We need to be actively using those gifts God has given us. They are meant to be used to MAKE A DIFFERENCE, in our lives and the lives of others.
Here’s one of my favorite stories, and one I frequently read while I was on my mission.
There was a young man walking down a deserted beach just before dawn in the distance he saw a frail old man. As he approached the old man, he saw him picking up stranded starfish and throwing them back into the sea. The young man gazed in wonder as the old man again and again threw the small starfish from the sand to the water. He asked “Old man, why do you spend so much energy doing what seems to be a waste of time?” The old man explained that the stranded starfish would die if left in the morning sun. But there must be thousands of beaches and millions of starfish! “How can you make a difference?” The old man looked down at the small starfish in his hand and as he threw it to the safety of the sea, he said “I MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO THIS ONE.” – unknown
What a beautiful and inspired post! This is what I needed to read!(Honestly, I have tears in my eyes.)Iam wondering often what I am good in. I´m helping my son rightnow to see the great talents he has. He is such a wonderful boy and such a good friend to other.
Anyway, you are a very beautiful and intelligent woman! I´m glad we met!
Fühl Dich umarmt!
Verena
I want to thank you for posting this today; I really needed to hear it. I've been struggling with this idea lately – feeling like I CAN make a difference, but not knowing exactly what it is that I have to offer. I feel like once we realize we are made for more — made to make a difference — we kind of become morally obligated to do so.
I think your idea of speaking in schools is a great one! You really do have a lot to offer, and you finally realize that, which is a wonderful thing. (I gather it's been had a long, hard journey for you to get where you are today.)
Again, thank you for this. Thank you for adding fuel to the fire within me. We can make a difference. I CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Wahat a beautiful story about the old man. It reminds me of one of my favorite sayings that I have hanging in my home… To the world you may only be one person, but to ones person you may be the world. 🙂
This is an awesome post! I love the story from your mission. I just may use it…I really dig that necklace, too. Where did you find it?
Found you on ReneW Your Space & love your cute planners. Great post about making a difference. Love the idea that we each can make a difference to even just one person. Good luck with the high school speaking idea! Seems like you'd be awesome at it.
Thanks girls. I just love all your sweet comments. It's so nice to have you all as bloggy friends.
I read this book a few months ago and it really touched me, too.
Crystal,
You inspire me. You and I are too much alike and at times I feel that with you I've found my "bloggy sister". This book sounds amazing…. and I'm about to order it on my Kindle.
I have a lot of things that brewing in my mind about making a difference, and helping others overcome their negativity and even if its just ONE, at least I helped that ONE.
I just started that book …so far I find it very inspiring
It's so easy to get caught up in our everyday lives and forget that we have something to offer others. Thanks for the great reminder. Lovely stories!
This sounds like a great book Crystal! This is such an inspirational post and great reminder that we all have a unique and specific purpose in life.
I've heard the starfish story before and I just love it. I think you'd be great at relating to teens. You're young, stylish and not afraid to speak what's on your heart.
BTW-So cool to see you in an ad for impel in your sidebar. 🙂 The colors match perfectly with your blog too!
Hugs,
Karla
I have a strong pull to help the homeless, and I've made some efforts to get a group started within our church but it's a very small church. I need to do a LOT more but I have not done that, and have no excuse for that.
I love the starfish story; I first heard it when I worked in child care and I've never forgotten it. It's so true.
My pastor read this book and preached a couple of sermons about using our gifts. It sounds like a wonderful book. Love your idea of sharing at the high schools.
What a wonderful post. I want to read that book it sounds really good.
this is powerful stuff – and now the comment I type out has disappeared. Here's the abbreviated comment: I've been searching for years to find my niche and a way to make a difference. Haven't hit on it yet – but still trying…2 boys from my high school class committed suicide. One also kept to himself – I guess the key is for us all to be more aware of the people around us and not so innerly focused (I'm as guilty of this as anyone!)
THAT was fabulous! You are a shining star Crystal – go spread your light 🙂
good for you! i say GO for it!
I LOVE this post! Thanks so much for writing it! 🙂