Put doubt aside – you have a skill that could change one life

By Joe Mitchell

If you are of a certain age, you may recall a common refrain, “We can change the world!”

It was in songs, poetry and T-shirts – which come to think of it, may have been the social media of that time.

It is a noble aspiration, but it can be intimidating and overwhelming, too. What if instead of thinking of one massive world, we think of each person as his or her own “world”?

There are currently more than eight billion people on earth. That means there are more than eight billion different “worlds.” Ask yourself, “Can I change one of those? Can I help one person? And if I can help one person, can I help two?”

Sure, when initially thinking how we can make the world a better place, we think, “What can I do?” 

People say it all the time. When the discussion turns to challenges or issues in our community, our world, even our own family, we may think, “There’s nothing I can do.”

I have said that myself. But guess what? It’s not true. We can do something, but let’s be realistic:

Can I do everything to help everyone? Of course not.

Can I do something to help someone? Absolutely.

As I consider what it means to change someone’s world, I think: 

Helping a young person find a job? I can do that.

Helping provide food for a family in need? I can do that.

Helping supply furniture to an immigrant family that has been placed in temporary housing? I can do that.

Spending an hour with someone who doesn’t have anyone else? I can do that.

If you don’t know what to do, that’s OK. There are a lot of groups, agencies and ministries that need your help – that need your skillset.

Don’t underestimate yourself. Can you write, balance a checkbook, manage a social media account, answer a phone, install a shelf? Because all agencies need someone to communicate, keep the books, handle digital communications, provide a welcoming voice, do basic handyman work … and so on!

Can I do something to help someone? Absolutely.

And you know what, TODAY seems like a pretty good day to start.

Joe Mitchell is the coordinator of Life & Justice Ministry for Saint Maximilian Kolbe Parish, Marmora.