July 17, 2006

Hometown Heroes

We often read about what celebs, philanthropists, and big non-profits are doing to change the world. Nothing wrong with that. But I wanted to share an article I enjoyed because it profiled hometown heroes who don't normally get recognition for the great work they do.

Average Americans all over this country realize the power they have to make a difference in small and big ways. I love hearing what you guys are up to and always feel inspired to know that most give of their time and resources to help others, and in the process realize they are also helping themselves.

There is so much to keep us from being connected to one another these days. We work harder and more hours than ever, families live far apart, we spend way too much time in gridlock traffic, and the close-knit fabric of neighborhoods where every kid was our own and neighbors know each other does seem to be fading away.

True, we have text messaging, e-mail, cheaper long distance and more ways to stay in touch, but too often those modes of communicating lack the intimacy that makes us feel a sense of "humankindness" and a deep connection that I think most of us yearn for. A recent study showed that Americans have fewer close friends than they did decades ago and less people they feel they can confide in. The conclusion of the study was, in short, that people feel lonelier.

I bring all this up because I have always found that service makes me feel more connected with others, my community, my country, and even the world, which incidentally does grow smaller all the time. Perhaps just as importantly it helps me connect with myself, which opens the door to new opportunities and relationships.

The article profiles men, women and kids who are bringing people closer together and living out the truth that we are all on this beautiful journey of life together.

We see philanthropists and celebrities who give to worthy causes and great charities like the Boys and Girls Clubs who not only are following their mission of mentoring children who need it the most, but are constantly expanding to meet the needs of more kids, like bringing their programs to military bases around the nation. You will also read about people whose vacation trips inspired them to send kids in third world countries to school or supply them with much needed shoes. Read about those who bring the joy of music to inner-city kids or a 15 year old who makes sure that soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country don't just get "taps" on a recording, but a live performance; teachers whose work is more than just a job; a woman who had used her disability (or different ability you could say) to inspire young children with special needs; those who take their own loss and make sure that other parents have help in finding a missing child or someone to talk to; a soldier just doing his job, a job that entails taking heavy fire so that you can bring your injured brothers and sisters to safety; a nurse who refused to leave her patients even as Katrina raged on. Or how about an elderly woman who just decides to make it her business to share an act of kindness with a neighbor or friend every day.

I hope you read these profiles and feel as I did - how lucky that we live among such angels and that we can make a choice every day to join their ranks. And for those who do get the recognition that others may not, know that you get to shine sometimes because you reflect the light of those around you.



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