Making a Difference

What does it really mean to make a difference in this world? To make an impact and a change for the better on this planet we call home? To do something meaningful and significant during our time here?

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This is something that really hits home with me. I firmly believe that we can be game changers. That we all can make a difference. I believe that we are the Hope of the World. And that as we each strive to make a change, we can collectively change the world. One step at a time. One tiny little leap of faith at a time.  There’s always several companies that Make a Change, and I support their efforts to make a difference in this world, a little bit every day, but then here’s always the question of what am I doing to achieve that change? Or is it even possible to change the world or at least make a minimal difference in it? How can you ever imagine doing so when you aren’t famous, don’t specifically work in ministry, or don’t have copious amounts of money? Well, I must admit that I’ve spent plenty of time pondering all of those questions myself. Especially when it came to finances and ministry.

While in undergrad, I sometimes struggled with how to share the Gospel post college on a daily basis without being employed in ministry, or how I could make a difference for His Kingdom if I didn’t work for a church or at least a Christian organization. I could justify those in the medical field as having opportunity to show His love, and even speak of it, on a daily basis. I could see the fruit of their labor both physically and spiritually having a huge impact on people’s lives. And while I appreciated what they did, I could never see myself in any of those fields. I’m just not all too fond of blood, needles, and the like. Call me crazy. I was interested in languages, cultures, and people. In building relationships, teaching others, and listening to their stories. What on earth could I do that made a real difference with such simple ideas? I felt a strong calling during my time at Auburn to serve both locally and abroad with the Wesley Foundation and I was (and still am) quite adamant about the need for both short and long term missions. But I never saw this as my life. At one point I thought there was something wrong with me, or even that perhaps I was ignoring the call of the Lord to be in full time ministry as a missionary abroad. I had several people telling me that’s what they saw for my life, and yet, it’s not at all what I felt the Lord leading me into. And then I began to doubt. Was that the only way I could be a witness and use my life to bring Him praise? Was this the only way I could make a difference?

And slowly, like He always does, the Lord began to reveal to me just what he had in store for my life and how to use me for His glory. He has gifted me in certain areas for a reason, and created me to fill a specific role in His Kingdom. After a year as a ministry intern after undergrad, it was clear to me my purpose lay outside the walls of the church. I entered grad school and got my master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis with a focus on Developmental Disabilities not knowing how I would make an impact, but trusting that He would provide the opportunities for me to do so. And He certainly has. In my field you come into contact with a great deal of people of all educational and cultural backgrounds, races, and socioeconomic statuses. Over the past three years, I have been learning just what it means to use each of those interactions, every conversation, to be a witness to His love. To speak with my actions, and point others to Him. That with every plan I write, every skill that I train, every behavior that decreases, and every moment that I spend advocating for those who can’t do so for themselves that I can make a difference.

A few weeks ago, I switched jobs within my field and had to say goodbye to my kiddos and parents that I had been working with to embark on a new professional endeavor. Between the tears, the well wishes, and the gratitude of those I was leaving, I was given confirmation that being a BCBA is right where I need to be. A family I worked with brought me tears when they said how much of difference I had made not only in their child’s life, but in their family as well. That they could see the Lord working though me to bring joy to their lives through my sessions and that it was evident that Christ was central to my life. I know that I fall short too many times to name, and that daily I fail to be the witness I am called to be, but this incredibly sweet statement is goal. To be an example of the One who created me, in every thing I do, without even having to say His name. To make a difference, despite how small, and create opportunity for the Lord to show himself to those around me.

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