February 28, 2018
A Difference
You gave your life to make a difference.
You gave your life to make a change.
You welcomed all to your table;
you’re telling us to do the same.
Refrain: I want my life to make a difference; I want my life to make a change.
I want my life to do some good here; I want my life to make a change.
Working side by side, no out or inside,
together we can make that change.
With a few or many, with a lot or not any,
together we can make that change. (Refrain)
Crossing the great divide, joy and peace will abide;
together we can make that change
Jesus is our peace; all fighting will cease.
Together we can make that change. (Refrain)
We’re the citizens with the saints; we’re the sunshine and the rain.
We’re joy with the pain; we’re the change.
You healed the sick and fed the poor; you loved the prophet and whore,
and through us you will do more. You’re the change! (Refrain)
@2012 Kurtz, Rachel (Admin. by Rachel Kurtz May). Used with permission of author.
I have found that helping others is a challenge, but it’s also a blessing. This song defines my mission in life and shows how I plan to serve God. I want to help as many people as I possibly can within church, school, and my community.
I was selected to represent our Synod at the 2018 ELCA Youth Gathering Summit in November. Unfortunately, I saw lots of homeless people while I was at the Summit. I was walking to a store when the light turned red, and people from the sidewalks flooded the streets asking for money. It was a little shocking.
Just the day before, one of those men had walked across the street with my group to make sure we got across safely. I noticed that there was an old styrofoam container holding small coins and a few dollar bills by the light pole where he stood. It was hard to eat my lunch that day, knowing that’s how the man was trying to feed himself.
My goal when we go back to Houston is to find that man again, buy his lunch, and ask him to tell his story. Making a difference in someone’s life doesn’t always have to be in a huge, grand matter. Sometimes people just want someone to know them. This man was very bold and funny. I’d like to hear his story and help him out.
Making a difference for someone can change a person’s mind set and help them to achieve goals. People helping people—that’s what God wants us to do. It can be hard at first, but it gets easier with time and repetition. God can do amazing things all the time. With this one song, God helped me find my purpose.
Tara Rindt
High school student
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