The story “Who You are Makes a Difference” by Helice Bridges, comes
from the 1st book in the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series.
When I attended my first seminary, one of our fellow classmates gave
each of us a bookmark that said, “Who You are Makes a Difference, Thanks for Making
a Difference in My Life.” I was touched by this act of kindness.
I had a copy of the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” book at home and went
back to re-visit the story:
A teacher in a NY school wanted to tell the students in her class how
they the difference they made in her life and in the lives of each other. She
called each student to the front of the class and presented each one with a
ribbon that said, “Who You Are Makes a Difference.”
The teacher gave her students a challenge and extra ribbons. She
encouraged them to go out into the community and pass on a ribbon; thanking each
person for making a difference in her/his life. The teacher wanted feedback on how
lives were impacted by this “pay it forward” method.
The
students passed out the ribbons and a miracle happened.
A
junior executive passed on one of the ribbons to his boss explaining the school
project and how much he appreciated him. The boss was a grouch.
The
executive told his boss he was a creative genius and then gave his boss an
extra ribbon; asking him to pass it on.
When
the boss got home that night, he sat his 14 year old son down and said, “The
most amazing thing happened to me today” and he began to relay the story. He
told his son, “As I was driving home, I was thinking about whom I wanted to
give this ribbon to and I want to honor you.” The man went on to explain, “My
days are hectic and when I come home I don’t pay a lot of attention to you.
Sometimes I scream at you to get your homework done. You’re a great kid and I
love you.”
The
son cried and replied, “I was planning on committing suicide tomorrow, Dad,
because I didn’t think you loved me. Now I don’t need to.” What a great story
and its true!
Back in 2005, I handed out cards to all the members of our community
that said, “Who You Are Makes a Difference, Thanks for Making a Difference in My
Life.” I wanted to thank our church members for making difference and here’s
why:
Our
church was invited to participate in a local fundraising project for the
holiday.
We
set up a booth as vendors, selling various food items to raise money for our
outreach ministry of “Helping One Family at a Time.” Individuals from the
community were very generous.
God
carefully choreographed the entire disbursement plan.
A
few weeks after our venture, a woman I knew lost her husband in a tragic
accident. There was no life insurance and she had no money. As a couple, they
lived below the poverty line with no resources for funeral costs.
I
immediately asked for assistance from our community on her behalf and the
response was, “Yes, do it.” I was so proud to be part of this fine group and to
be their pastor.
Ten
years later, these fine people are still transforming lives.
Remember,
“Who You are Makes a Difference and Thank you, for Making a Difference in My
Life.” Amen!
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