Mitchman's Blog

All of my life I have heard people say so go out and change the world.  Well, that always seemed like a very big task to take on.  How can one person possibly change the world?  I believe we begin that change on a smaller scale.  I believe we beign with our own world, our own circle of friends, family, loved ones.  In essence, that is our world.  If we can influence positive change among our closest group of family and friends, then perhaps, like a ripple of water, it will be passed on.  Eventually, we could see real change in our community, in our city, state, country, and even the world.

What kind of change can one person make?  I read about a Sunday school teacher in a small, southern town in the early days of the last century.  He was not outgoing, he was not an articulate speaker or even very educated.  He did not embody the kind of traits that we today would define as great leader, but he had was a conviction.  A conviction to follow his heart and teach the Bible every Sunday morning to a small group of kids.  The kids often dreaded coming to the gathering, but forced by their parents, they attended.  The man was dedicated to his mission.  In that small gathering was a rather rebellious young man.  His mother demanded that he attend the Bible study.  She said, "Son, one day you will thank me."

Little by little, week after week, that little old teacher began to break down the walls of bitterness and pain that the boy had built around his heart, and on one Sunday morning, the walls caved.  The young man, felt such a conviction to make a change that he decided to mend his ways and begin a new chapter in his life.  This simple, old, but determined teacher had finally reached this young man. 

The young man began to study the Bible every chance he could, and he was so inspired by the his teacher, that when the man retired from his post as a Sunday school teacher, his young pupil be took over his duties.  This young man became quite a powerful orator.  Commanding the attention of the small country church, the community and before long he became known as a voice of his generation for the cause of Christianity.  This young, rebellious man would go on to become quite famous.  Preaching the gospel from one corner of the globe to another.  His name was none other than, Billy Graham.

Yes, from the dedication and determination of one simple man, greatness was born!  That Sunday school teacher touched only one life, but that life would go on to touch millions the world over. 

We all have an opportunity to change the world.  As we enter this Holiday Season, I hope you will take stock of your life.  I hope you will find away to begin to change your world in a positive way!  You never know whose life you will change, and where that change can lead!