Have you ever wondered if you can make a difference? Have you ever snorted at the saying "one person can make a difference? My answer is yes to both of those questions. It's not that I don't want to make a difference, it's that I didn't think I could. That's not to say that I haven't had moments where I have felt accomplished. Good grief, I coached (and still coach) gymnastics and there is something so personally satisfying to have the girls get all excited when they get a new skill - it's an amazing feeling.
However, the other day, I read of an injustice done to a young lady. To some it may seem a minor annoying injustice, but I felt strongly about it. In the town where I graduated from high school, some young people decided to play what they considered a "joke" on a classmate. They chose to nominate her for their homecoming court - even though they didn't really like her. The point was to publicly humiliate her. Well, initially they thought they succeeded. She won the nomination. Then the little bastards shared with her that they only did it as a joke and they didn't really want her to win.
Seriously? Yep, so this is where I stepped in. I've kept relatively quiet about this personally. What I mean is, I have attempted to keep my name out of it. Not because I'm not proud of it, but because I don't want this to be about me. This ISN'T about me. This is about the huge issue we have in this country in bullying. I've done a TON of research on bullying lately and to be honest, it's frightening.
Anyhoo, I took it upon myself to create a facebook page. You should go there now and "like" it. I did it because I felt that the community needed to be aware of the situation and come together to support this beautiful young woman.
WELL, that sure did work. We currently have 3025 "likes." SERIOUSLY?!!?? Whit's story has been broadcast by multiple television stations across the country. ACROSS THE COUNTRY. I was checking the page earlier and crying my eyes out. The community sure did come together - her dress, shoes, hair, dinner, etc. have all been paid for. The number of people posting kind words and thoughts is surreal.
I am floored. I am so floored, that I am now considering starting a foundation to bring awareness to and fight against bullying. Not kidding.
Moral of the story - ONE PERSON CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. If you believe in it - stand up for it. If YOU think it's worth it - support it.
However, the other day, I read of an injustice done to a young lady. To some it may seem a minor annoying injustice, but I felt strongly about it. In the town where I graduated from high school, some young people decided to play what they considered a "joke" on a classmate. They chose to nominate her for their homecoming court - even though they didn't really like her. The point was to publicly humiliate her. Well, initially they thought they succeeded. She won the nomination. Then the little bastards shared with her that they only did it as a joke and they didn't really want her to win.
Seriously? Yep, so this is where I stepped in. I've kept relatively quiet about this personally. What I mean is, I have attempted to keep my name out of it. Not because I'm not proud of it, but because I don't want this to be about me. This ISN'T about me. This is about the huge issue we have in this country in bullying. I've done a TON of research on bullying lately and to be honest, it's frightening.
Anyhoo, I took it upon myself to create a facebook page. You should go there now and "like" it. I did it because I felt that the community needed to be aware of the situation and come together to support this beautiful young woman.
WELL, that sure did work. We currently have 3025 "likes." SERIOUSLY?!!?? Whit's story has been broadcast by multiple television stations across the country. ACROSS THE COUNTRY. I was checking the page earlier and crying my eyes out. The community sure did come together - her dress, shoes, hair, dinner, etc. have all been paid for. The number of people posting kind words and thoughts is surreal.
I am floored. I am so floored, that I am now considering starting a foundation to bring awareness to and fight against bullying. Not kidding.
Moral of the story - ONE PERSON CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. If you believe in it - stand up for it. If YOU think it's worth it - support it.
Love it!
ReplyDeleteBe the change you want to see. You are becoming that change. I love you and am so very proud of you.
ReplyDeleteSo proud of you! Can't believe what a great job you did helping not only 1 person, but you have helped many people by allowing them to share their story on your FB page. It would be my hope that each person who has been touched by this story to pay it forward and help stop this madness!! GREAT JOB JAMES!! 1 person did make a difference....that 1 being you! ;0)
ReplyDeleteI have to say that you have shown not only me but a whole community that one person can make a difference. Not only have you made a huge difference in Whitney life but you have in mine. You have shown me its OK to be different and that there are friends out there that will love you no matter what. You are a hero of mine and I couldnt be more prouder of you! I love you so much sis! <3
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