Have you ever wanted to be one of those people that could donate millions to charity? I expect you have. Me too. And someday, we may be able to do just that I expect. But in the meantime, there is a lot we have to offer nonetheless.
 
I think about the story of the widow's mite. The rationale is pretty simple. Though our contributions are not as immense or influential as another's, they are significant and meaningful to us. One reason that gives me hope is that even the small things that I can do now are recognized and appreciated. And together, the little things that we each contribute are collectively significant. Many people doing a little makes a world of difference. And sometimes, even our small decisions have enormous impact. I think of the choices of ancestors and advocates all around us. Their lives now and then must have seemed small and simple and perhaps insignificant at times and their decisions inconsequential. But we know now the magnitude of their influence and good, generous choices, which directly impact our lives and the lives of our family, friends, and extended family today. Thousands upon thousands will be impacted for good. I have always loved the story of the starfish.
 
You can't do everything. That's ok. You need only do what you can. That's the beauty of goodwill.
 
Edward Everett Hale said “I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.”

This famous quote has been an inspiration to millions. One person can make a difference.
 
You have much to offer. Your assistance will benefit the people of the world--not to mention you. Generations untold will call your name blessed for your contributions and generosity.

We sincerely thank you.

On May 21, 1881, Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross in Washington, D.C.

Barton, then 60 years old, had been involved with the Red Cross humanitarian organization in Europe and became determined to start a branch in the U.S.

No jokes for today's history lesson. But the staff of Inside Tidewater encourages you, in the wake of the devastating tornadoes in Oklahoma, to honor the anniversary of the American Red Cross by donating blood this week. (If possible, try to make it a regular habit, since the Red Cross needs blood all the time, and not just in the aftermath of a disaster.)                                                               On this date in history: The Red Cross

More birthdays worth reading about here

Every day the Red Cross is saving lives is a special day.

Mother cherishes her children…she wants the best for them. She treads fearlessly across the depths of sorrow and draws nigh unto death to give them life. Her most important purpose is her children’s happiness—a quality emulating God Himself. In many ways, she is the miracle the world is seeking. We gratefully witness her majesty daily and respectfully honor her ... to mothers everywhere, thank you! One mother blogs below:

I often think about the great needs in this world and wonder how we will ever fill them; will our efforts ever make a difference? Sometimes those vague questions become very real. What would it be like to save a baby’s life – to hold a cold, abandoned boy to your chest and sing over him?

A little over a year ago I met Julie at the Refresh Conference. She and her family were preparing to move to Soddo, Ethiopia where her husband was going to work as a physician at Soddo Christian Hospital. That hospital is dear to us because Eby and Little Man were both cared for there, and when we traveled to visit Soddo, we were invited to stay in a guest house on the hospital grounds.

Last night, in one last moment of procrastination, I clicked on my blog reader and a few new posts popped up. This one, written by Julie, grabbed my heart. Yesterday morning Julie’s husband called her to the hospital to hold an abandoned newborn baby, skin-to-skin on her chest and try to warm him. She didn’t know if she would be holding life or death in her hands, and against her heart.

Don’t miss reading this very moving story today.

Here is my Soddo baby, eight years old yesterday. To think there was a time when he was a sick baby in Soddo brings tears to my eyes.  Eby – my own Soddo miracle.

By Lisa Qualls
Wednesday May 1, 2013