7/7/07
Today is an unusual day, one we won't see again. The number "7" has always been associated with luck, must like a 4-leaf clover or a rabbit's foot (which is really too gruesome to contemplate). So for me, thoughts turned to what it means to be lucky, and at first I was going to post about hard work vs. the art of being lucky, but then I was blog-hopping and came across a post that struck a bit of a nerve. Though the post had nothing to do with being lucky, there was a comment made that got me thinking.
In yesterday's post over at the Pink Ladies' blog, author Patricia Sargeant is talking about her five favorite books, and why they are such favorites of hers. She mentions a favorite author of mine, the incomparable Suz Brockmann, and Suz's book "Letters to Kelly" and how it inspired Patricia to start donating to Amnesty International, an organization that works to "protect human rights worldwide". (Most recently UK journalist Alan Johnson, who had been held in captivity for 114 days, was given an award by Amnesty International UK).
Many of us live an existence where we are free to do so many things, such as get an education, work for a living, socialize, go to concerts, zip through a drive-through, see our family members, walk on our own two feet, eat until our bellies are full. Some may say that we are lucky, but I believe we are blessed.
Being blessed does not mean we don't have moments of suffering, or heartache and sadness. Sometimes those that suffer the worst are the ones that recognize their blessings more easily than those who live a relatively easy life. Those individuals who go through tragedy understand that what they do have in their lives is precious, worth fighting for. And a lot of times those are the people that give back.
Over the years, I've donated to numerous charities involving children. I lost an aunt to Multiple Sclerosis and have collected money and walked for MS. I've sent care packages to the troops. All safe, easy tasks that haven't really taken up a lot of my time or money. Then there are those who donate not only money, but their time, their passion to a cause that means a lot to them. It becomes their calling, their purpose. These are the people that give hope, help find answers and cures. Not just the doctors and nurses and caregivers, but the nameless volunteers who live and breathe in the cause(s) they believe in.
In addition to AI, Suz is also a strong advocate for the troops and for gay rights. Author Brenda Novak holds an annual auction in her fight against Juvenile Diabetes. Blogger Mailyn is a passionate supporter against cruelty to animals. These are just a few shining examples of people who count their blessings and do their part to educate and inform others about the injustices in the world and violence against the innocent, or shed light on extraordinary, everyday heroes. They do it for no other reason than that they truly believe and wish to make a difference.
I could go on and on because if you're a reader of my blog, you know I love to "read" myself talk, but this post isn't about me, so I will now turn it over to you and your thoughts:
What cause, charity, or organization do you believe in?
Why are you passionate about it/them?
What are the blessings in your life?
Labels: blessings, good causes
posted by Stacy~ at 7/07/2007 02:08:00 PM
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