Seeing social media feeds and the news jampacked with racial tension, pandemic updates, and protests around the world stirs a deep desire inside me to take action in order to make a difference.

Yet, for so long, I’ve had no idea where to start.

Can you relate? Do you want to help but don’t know how to begin?

Figuring this out is crucial. If we never take action, we will never have any positive impact.

Recently, as I was finishing up the revisions from a chapter in my book about my time in the ICU after my car accident, a light bulb went off. I was reminded of how the often overlooked small details can be instrumental in making a big difference.

Here is what I learned and why I believe it can help you make the difference you want to make in our world.

What I Learned in the ICU

In the weeks following my car accident, I spent two seemingly endless weeks in the intensive care unit. I rarely slept due to frequent hallucinations and beeping monitors, all while adjusting to having a ventilator control my breathing. I desperately wished I could just fall asleep and wake back up in my fraternity bedroom like I had just a few weeks prior, as if this was all just a dream.

However, the fearful, anxious, angst-filled nights came to a halt with the arrival of a nurse’s aide. Even though I could do nothing more than mouth words, she stayed by my side at night discussing sports with me, encouraging me with Bible verses, and praying for me. She even replaced the Jason Aldean country music CD that was lost with my totaled car.

The funny thing about it is, I barely know a thing about that nurse’s aide. I don’t know anything about her life story. I don’t even remember her name or what she looks like. Truth be told, she probably wasn’t even there as often as it seems since she more than likely worked only a few days week. Yet I will never forget the role she played in those long nights after friends and family had left for the day.

How We Hold Ourselves Back

I often ponder how I can emulate this concept in my own life for others. Sometimes the fact that I am not currently able-bodied and am so dependent on others for my every need evokes the lie that I cannot do much to help or impact the lives of those around me.

I would bet that everyone has something that fogs their ability to see the immense difference they can make or have made in the life of another person. Maybe you have some baggage in your past you are ashamed of. Maybe you wonder whether or not God even cares. Maybe you discount your ability to have an impact because you don’t think your title or paycheck are enough to warrant the respect of others.

Going to the Bible reveals how little our assumed criteria have to do with the ability to make an impact. David had an affair, Jonah ran from God, Thomas was a doubter, Peter and John were uneducated, Paul was a murderer, and yet, God still used them to make a huge difference in the lives of others.

Making an Impact

While my physical dependence may feel like an obstacle at times, thanks to examples like the nurse’s aide (among many others), I realize a big title, a flawless record, or even functioning arms and legs are not prerequisites for making a difference.

From now on I want to notice, reach out, and express my gratitude for those seemingly insignificant acts of others that impact my life. I also want to remain conscious that I am fully capable of doing the same for others around me.

Launching this blog has allowed me to hone my writing skills, test out concepts, practice vulnerability, and connect with many others. However, if just one person reading has found encouragement, inspiration, or motivation from the way God has moved in my life over the last decade, this venture is a success. As Sister Mary Rose McGeady said, “There is no greater joy nor greater reward than to make a fundamental difference in someone’s life.” (That’s right. I just quoted a nun.)

Don’t underestimate what you’re capable of. There is a hurting world out there that is counting on you.

Who is someone in your life you can go out of your way for today?

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📚 Book I am reading this week that inspired this post:
Everybody, Always: Becoming Love in a World Full of Setbacks and Difficult People by Bob Goff
I have never counted audiobooks in my goal to read two books per month, but I have thoroughly enjoyed listening to the upbeat creative message from Bob Goff. In the midst of a crazed world with tension increasing by the day, hearing about random acts of service to others infused with humor is an inspiration to me in a culture whose default is division. 

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I released a mini e-book to commemorate ten years since my accident. Check it out here

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