A Call to Action

By Win Quier

“Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” This is the famous quote from our 35^th president, John F. Kennedy. It was a call to action and compelled many to start doing good deeds for their fellow countrymen. We need to remember these words now and take them to heart again.

While there has been many a testament and scripture, in religions & cultures for millennia, a single sentiment persists across them all…”Love one another.” Now is the time to act on that commandment, step out of our comfortable lives and love our neighbors. Love our neighbors by helping the elderly, or the single mother or the disabled keep their steps and driveways clear of snow and ice in the winter. Love our neighbors by helping at a local food bank. Use your imagination, see a need and take action.

Taking action could be something as simple as joining an organization already in existence and volunteering. Volunteering an hour a week, a day, or even longer. Mankind needs us to step out of our comfort zone and volunteer.

My husband and I raised an autistic son. After he left the nest we started a support group for parents of children on the autistic spectrum. Our group started small but almost a year has passed and we are touching almost thirty families. We meet once a month for 1 ½ hours and the members truly seem to be helped. Just talking and understanding that they aren’t alone gives them peace and the drive to get through another month. We had no training but we reached out to other parents and learned what to do along the way. You, too, can do something similar. There are a plethora of needs that can touch your heart and encourage you to take the first step.

Taking the first step can be the hardest and scariest. But, rest assured, once you become involved it will be more natural. Don’t set yourself up to Mother Teresa standards…you’ll be sure to fail. Do what you can with what you have and all will fall into place. Mother Teresa said, “Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.” Let your small steps grow to giant steps over time and you’ll find a deep satisfaction in helping others.

Consider this your call to action. Get out your computer and start researching the possibilities. You’ll find your niche and as you help others your heart will swell. You truly will change for the good by doing good deeds for others.