I watched Schindler’s List today for the first time. Oh, I have seen clips and heard the story but today I watched the entire movie from start to finish. What an incredible story or more accurately, depiction of a true life story. I am struck by this thought: The incredible impact potential of one person. In this case, Oskar Schindler, initially fueled by greed but later moved by compassion, saves the lives of 1100 Jews who would have otherwise likely been killed. Oskar was one man and yet because of his efforts during World War II in sparing the lives of a remnant of Jewish people, today there are many descendants given a chance at life.
There have been many others who have taken a stand against a social problem or championed a cause. When we see the organization after many years of existence, it is easy to forget that it started with one person—one man or woman with a deep conviction and a desire to do something about it.
The Salvation Army began in 1865 when William Booth, a London minister, gave up the comfort of his pulpit and decided to take his message into the streets where it would reach the poor, the homeless, the hungry and the destitute. Today, The Salvation Army is stronger and more powerful than ever. Now, in over 106 nations around the world, The Salvation Army continues to work where the need is greatest, guided by faith in God and love for all people.
Compassion International’s work spans 57 years, from modest beginnings in 1952 when one man, Everett Swanson, felt compelled to help 35 orphaned children in South Korea, to today, where more than 1 million children in 25 countries benefit from that original vision.
Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross in Washington, D.C. on May 21, 1881. Barton first heard of the Swiss-inspired International Red Cross Movement while visiting Europe following the Civil War. Returning home, she campaigned for an American Red Cross society and for ratification of the Geneva Convention protecting the war-injured, which the United States ratified in 1882.
So here’s the question that keeps rolling around in my head: What am I doing? Am I moved by social injustice? Am I championing a cause? Is there anything I am involved in today that will reap positive benefits in the future? Am I involved in anything with long-lasting or even eternal value?
Enough about me…how about you?
Sources: www.salvationarmy.org; www.ci.org; www.redcross.org
Great challenging blog!
By: D MacLearn on January 8, 2010
at 12:51 pm
This is really really good Rob. Best yet in my opinion.
I submit this response to you as a grandmother, mother, and wife, to another mother and wife. There is no greater cause than effecting the lives of those under our own roofs. And there is no greater effect for eternity than allowing Christ to live through us to them. When we are being faithful to champion the lives that God has entrusted to us in our own homes, we can also be trusted to expand that sphere of influence to countless others. The people you mentioned did wonderful things in their lifetimes that helped shape the world we now live in and affected lives in ways we may never fully comprehend. God used these people to accomplish history altering events for his purposes. I wonder how often though in our lofty zeal to do something “big” for the Lord and our world, we overlook the lives in our own domicile. Could God be calling us, as moms and wives to look under our own noses for that cause to champion? We may not be remembered for the kind of paramount undertakings that these great individuals were, but in the hearts of the human beings that God placed directly in our care we will be remembered for eternity.
By: Rebecca on January 8, 2010
at 9:47 pm