You Can Make All The Difference

23 Aug

“If you see someone falling behind, walk beside them.  If you see someone being ignored, find a way to include them.  Always remind people of their worth.  One small act could mean the world to them.”  ~ Himanshu Ranjan

I am sure you have all experienced seeing people “in the zone.”  They are so set on their goal that they go headlong into the fray not even realizing who might be accompanying them or who might be drifting behind.  Their ability to hyper-focus is also their weakness because they lose sight of others.

I am sure you have all seen people who are being ignored by a group.  They really stand out as they are off to the side, often with downcast eyes.  When they look to others for support, they cannot find anyone who even notices that they are there.

I am sure you have not only noticed such people but that you also have been such people at one time or another in your lives.  You know the anguish of being excluded and the feeling of failure when you fall behind.  You know what it means to be ignored and how that can make you feel invisible to others.

Because we have all experienced these conditions, it is easier for us to recognize when others are going through the same things.  Since we can recognize others dealing with the same issues, we are in a unique position to do something about it.

We do not have to be one of the many who ignore others.  We do not have to be one of the many who leaves others behind.  We can be one of those who reach out to others, to include others, and to validate others.  In doing so, we have the opportunity to touch their souls and give them worth.

It is so easy to make a person feel worthless.  Thankfully, it is just as easy to make a person feel special.  When we see someone who needs our attention, our affection, and/or direction, we should reach out immediately if for no other reason than because we know how it feels.

God did not make us to be separate from one another.  God made us to be one with each other.  When we gather to celebrate the Eucharist, we proclaim that it is the Source and Summit of our lives and that it is the gift that unifies us and makes us one.

We are hypocrites if we proclaim that great truth but fail to live it.  Make sure to live that reality this day.

FAITH ACTION:  It’s easy to say but can be very hard to do.  Make sure to reach out to those who are ignored or in need.