a land of starfish

I was talking with some group members today about blogging and when I told them my title...the sooner state and starfish...they asked why I chose it.  The "sooner state" was easy...Im from Oklahoma - the Sooner State.  And for the "starfish", many may assume I chose that because I am living in the Caribbean, surrounded by ocean...and starfish.  Well...that is one side of it.  The other reason is because of a little story I heard once in high school (many years ago) and have loved ever since.

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.  Approaching the boy, he asked "What are you doing?"  The kid replied, "Throwing starfish back into the ocean."  In amazement, the man said "don't you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish?  You can't make a difference!"  After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf.  Then, smiling at the man, he said "I made a difference for that one." 

Back in 2007-2009, I told each of the teams I hosted this story to encourage them.  Many would see all the poverty and be overwhelmed.  Sometimes it is easier for us to sit back and do nothing because we are only 1 person and can't make a huge impact.  Well...this is why I love this story...to remind us 1 person can make a difference.  Even if we only save one "starfish"...its a difference for that one.  

I truly believe Haiti is a land of starfish...both literally and figuratively.  Even with so many lost and broken lives...we can still make a difference...by, and through, the grace of God.  But at the same time, even in land-locked Oklahoma (or wherever you are), there are "starfish" that need saving.  

I feel so blessed to work for an organization that believes in changing 1 life at time.  The vision here at Mission of Hope is "to bring life transformation to every man, woman, and child in Haiti."  

Peace, love and starfish.