You may never know…
“You changed my life.”
Stunned, I wanted to scream, “Why didn’t you ever tell me?” But I snapped my jaw back into place, smiled, and asked, “What do you mean?”
It was last Friday night, and we were halfway through our annual Justice Rocks event which raises awareness about human trafficking. The young lady before me had heard me speak before. In particular, she heard the story about my daughter who lived in Australia. And because of my testimony, she began to research the issue and now lives in Thailand working for an anti-trafficking organization there. She was in the USA for just two weeks and came with friends to our event.
I don’t share this to humble-brag. Not at all!! I’ve had more than my share of mess-ups and mistakes. I share this because YOU might have changed someone’s life and not know it.
Perhaps one day, you sat and prayed with a friend in despair. Or you brought food to a family in need. Maybe you offered a ride, or held open a door, or smiled at stranger who was having a terrible day, but your gesture lifted their spirits just enough to keep going.
Mother Teresa wisely said,
“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.”
Words have great power – and the power of kind words and deeds can echo long into eternity.
Dr. BJ Palmer said,
“You never know how far reaching something you may think, say, or do today will affect the lives of millions tomorrow.”
How has someone’s encouraging words impacted your life? Have you told them?
Our friend, Iris of Laced with Grace, once posted a CL Lewis quote on Facebook that I keep on my desk: “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”
I see that quote daily, and it has inspired me in recent years to get my motorcycle license, to lead an abolitionist group, and to keep on writing and speaking.
Keep on, my dear friend. Your words and actions have more impact than you may ever know this side of eternity. And be assured – God knows. And He’s smiling.
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Cor. 15:58
I am so glad that this quote by C.S. Lewis inspired you to step out of your comfort zone. It has been my favorite quote for years, and I have it in my email signature at work. You are right; we may never know if we impacted someone’s life, but I keep going and hope to impact someone else until God calls me home.