Jude 22 – And of some have compassion, making a difference:
Music has been a part of my life from the time I was very young. My grandma would play the organ at her home many afternoons while me and my sister would sing along. My mom was our church pianist for many years, and my sister and I would sing while my mom played the piano. I have so many memories of singing around the piano, and even of my mom singing along with us. We sometimes would sing for two hours straight. It was so much fun! One thing I remember Mom telling me was, “Open your mouth and sing out!” She made a difference in my life and taught me a love for the right type of music.
I became and EMT at the age of nineteen. Throughout the eight years when I worked as an EMT, I saw some medical professionals who had compassion on the patients. Then, on the other hand, there were some who were only in it for the paycheck at the end of the day, had horrible bedside manners, and did not have compassion. For me, even though it was a job, the money was not the reason why I was in it; I wanted to help people and make a difference.
Because we all have certainly encountered people on both sides of the spectrum, we each can name a person whom we consider to be a difference maker in our own lives. If I had more time, I would sit down and name them one by one and share how they have impacted me. Just as we have been blessed and helped by others, we all have the opportunity to make a difference in another’s life.
When my husband and I started coming to our church, we needed much encouragement. That first year, we had a hard time attending faithfully. We often would have excuses not to attend. Working twenty-four-hour shifts left me half asleep and not wanting to go to church. There were two ladies in the church who always contacted me through a text to say, “How are y’all doing?” or “I’m praying for you,” or “Can I save you some seats?” Ten years later, because of their continued encouragement and what they did, I can say that I am saved, two of my children are saved, my husband serves in the church, and I am a Sunday school teacher. This is all because …of some have compassion, making a difference:
We may never know the impact we have on someone until we get to Heaven. What seems easy or is not a big deal to us may mean the world to someone else. Being in our places, teaching that class, shaking that hand, sending a quick text, or making a phone call can change a life. As mothers, daughters, and friends, let us determine to be the some who make a difference in another’s life today.
by Mandy Harper
