The Impact of a Single Life

Have you ever wondered if you're making a difference?  When you look around the corner, around the world, at all the people in pain, all the kids without parents, all the people who are struggling with their lot in life?  Have you ever asked "what impact can I make?"  I have.

Last week a dear friend of mine lost her father too quickly to the villian known as cancer.  As I had the honor of serving her family and being by their side during this difficult time, I was continually humbled at the outpouring of love from not just friends, but from the Carmel, IN community to the entire family.

Mr. Akin was the principal of an elementary school for more than 20 years.  For almost as long he helped coach the girl's high school soccer team (who in 12 of those years won the state championships).  He was a mentor; he was a friend; he was an influencer and impacter on thousands of lives, and so much more.

Last week those students and parents from the last 20+ years, and people who had crossed his path just through living life, poured out their appreciation and respect for this single life.  For more than six (6) hours a steady line of people flowed through the funeral home saying their thank you's and farewells.  (I don't think the funeral home knew what hit them!)  For the trip to the cemetery, additional police escorts were called in to accommodate all of the cars.

I can't even begin to share how many stories I heard of the difference that this single life had made in the lives of so many. From hopping on a plane to visit injured players to "just" being a shoulder to cry on - this was an impact player in the game of life.

The name "Into the Field" came to be because we believe that we're all called to go out into the field and serve, and that the field for each of us is going to be different.  For Mr. Akin, the first priority field was his family.  Right behind that were his school and the soccer field (many, many, many soccer fields).

Whether you're serving around the corner or around the world, please don't forget the impact that YOU, a single life, can make.  Thank you, Mr. Akin, for reinforcing that to me!  You will be missed.

People of Action

At times it can be very overwhelming to me to see all of the need and hurting in the world. It makes me wonder if there is anything that I as an individual can do to make a difference, what impact can I have? As I was thinking about this and feeling, well, insignificant, the story of the little boy and the starfish came to mind. Those who know me well will tell you I'm not a great storyteller, but here's my take on it.

A little boy and an old man were walking down a beach. Occasionally the boy would bend down, pick up a starfish, and toss it back in the water. After watching him for a period of time, the old man said to the boy, "Why are you doing that? There are so many! You can't make a difference!". With that, the little boy bent down, picked up another one, tossed it back in the water, and replied, "I made a difference to that one."

Maybe it isn't about making an impact on huge numbers of people - maybe it is. But what kind of impact can you make on the life of one person? And what kind of impact can that person make on another?

I'm reading a book called The Travellers Gift by Andy Andrews. It is not only easy to read (it's a story), but it is filled with many great lessons and reminders. One of the comments in the book says, "Jehovah can move a mountain, we just need to be able and ready to move ourselves."

Will you choose to be a person of action? What kind of impact will you have on the life of another? You can do it. And so can I.

Come Together Now

In January the Nashville music community gathered at Ocean Way Studios and recorded this special song in support of Haiti! Check this out...sooooo powerful! You'll hear from Michael W Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman, Toby Mac, Natalie Grant, Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Wynona, Mark Hall, Nicole C Mullen, Matt Maher, and MANY more!

100% of the proceeds of this song are being donated directly to Haiti relief efforts through The American Red Cross and Samaritan's Purse.

Thank you to David Emmerson at 104.9 The River for sharing it with me via Facebook!

Come Together Now (Music City Unites For Haiti) from Music City Unites For Haiti on Vimeo.

Hope Hope Hope for Haiti!

I love it when a plan comes together!  Part of the vision of Into the Field is to be a facilitator between ministries, and that is exactly what is happening!

I've shared before about both Wild Olive Tees and Eyes Wide Open International, and how much of a fan I am of both. 

Now they're teaming up to make an impact on the lives of those surviving the devistating earthquake in Haiti!

Wild Olive Tees has designed a FANTASTIC new shirt!  100% of the proceeds from this "HOPE" shirt will go to Haiti via Eyes Wide Open International!

You also have the ability to purchase a shirt and have it donated to be taken down and delivered to a much deserving Haitian!

The shirt features Matthew 12:21: "...and His name will be the HOPE of all the world."

Check it out!