ONE

I was just reading an e-mail sent to me to encourage voting. I wanted to continue the thought here.
I hear so many times people are unwilling to get involved because they don't think they can make a difference or get anything accomplished. As I think about all of the times I have been told "it doesn't matter YOU are not going to change it". I often felt discouraged and gave up. But, now think for a minute about history. Rosa Parks was one woman, she refused to sit at the back of the bus. Martin Luther King was one man, he influenced many and still inspires to this day with the example he set. Susan B. Anthony was one woman, she fought for women's rights. Throughout history change was brought about by one person. Supported by another, by another, by another. Thinking that one person cannot make a difference is a thought fostered by those who seek to oppress. If we all think we can't make a difference, we won't. If we think our vote doesn't count, it won't because we didn't cast it. If we decide we can't fight against evil, it will be allowed to prevail. Never believe that one cannot make a difference. It wasn't an easy task for anybody who has stood up against anything wrong. Many have given their lives and all they had, to bring about change and freedom. Sadly, too often we don't appreciate the sacrifices of those who have fought for us to have rights later. Sometimes we don't see the results of the fight right off. Many times we are unpopular or ridiculed. Many die without realizing their difference. Never stop standing up for right because it's hard. Never stop believing YOU can make a difference. Sometimes it just takes one to voice and opinion and others will gain courage to follow. An Islamic woman who fights against radical Islam Irshad Mangi said "Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is recognizing there are more important things than fear."

You make a difference, your vote matters, your voice counts, don't ever think otherwise. And "may God grant me the power to change the things I can, recognize what I cannot and the wisdom to know the difference." So go vote. And keep making a difference. Maybe that just means you help a neighbor in a small way this week.