Recently, at our church, we heard a presentation by Frank La Mere, an Indian activist. He shared the story of Pine Ridge Reservation and the effect of alcoholism on the population there. The Pine Ridge Reservation, whose boundary ends at the South Dakota-Nebraska state line, has had a policy prohibiting the sale of alcohol for over a century. But alcoholic beverages can be sold in Whiteclay, a town of 12 people. And that small town includes three convenience stores that sell an estimated 11,000 large cans of malt liquor on a daily basis, mainly to the native population. Based on the efforts of Frank La Mere and others, the laws were finally changed, and the convenience stores closed.
Today's church spends much of their time wringing their hands over problems instead of taking actions. Click To Tweet
After the presentation, I had the opportunity to speak with Frank. I found Frank to be a fascinating individual with many profound insights into life that left me thinking. Frank said that today’s church spends much of their time wringing their hands over problems in society. But, then they go home and never do anything about the issue. He went on to say that he believed God called each of us to action to help change the world. His words resonated with me. So let me ask, are we a hand wringer or a difference maker?
Psalm 82:3 “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.”
God endowed each of us with gifts. He gifted us so that we could spread the Gospel and help those in need. Those gifts were not intended to benefit us only personally. When we use these talents for God’s purposes, we can change the world for the better. Could we end hunger in the world? Is it possible for us to end poverty? What can one person do to make a difference? We cannot do these things alone, but with God, all things are possible.
Matthew 17:20 “He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
Frank La Mere saw a massive problem within his community. Instead of wringing his hands over it, Frank decided he could make a difference. Using his gifts of words, he changed a problem that seemed impossible. Frank allowed God to move his heart to action and then followed God into action. You can learn more about Frank’s work in the movie “Sober Indian, Dangerous Indian.” Frank continues to speak out for Native Americans affected by alcoholism.
When we use our talents for God's purposes, we can change the world. Click To Tweet
We are all called into action for the glory of Christ but how do we begin? Here are some ideas to get started:
- Christians must take actions – not just hand-wringing. Find a cause to support and participate in their steps to change it.
- Speak out – tell others about the problem to spread the word. Invite others to join you in the fight.
- Search out organizations and offer your support.
- Do everything with the love of Christ.
We have God on our side and He has equipped us – now go change the world for Him.
Matthew 19:26 “Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
We have God on our side and He has equipped us - now go change the world for Him. Click To Tweet
Blessings,
Yvonne – #blogger, #speaker, and #author
Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
Yvonne – I was shocked to read how many cans of beer were being sold to the Native Americans in that small town. The story of the Native Americans is such a hard one. We nearly committed genocide to that population and I am so thankful that these strong people survived! Yet alcoholism is rampant among them. So, I am glad to hear of the stories of people trying to help. And yes, the Church can and should do more! Just like Frank, who” allowed God to move his heart to action and then followed God into action.” We all need to allow God to move our hearts toward action and then obey that leading! Thank you for the inspiration to do so. God bless you! Lisa Q
Thank you Lisa, and I pray God will continue to inspire you. God bless.
Amen.Take action, offer support, speak out. Do everything with the love of Christ.
Amen
Amen and Amen, Yvonne. Such a good and convicting word for all of us. Love all your tweets. We do need to be Jesus with skin and change the world even if it’s just one soul at a time!
Thanks Karen for your comments and for all you do too
I think so often we don’t act because we don’t know where to start. Because churches are so organized and disorganized at the same time, no one knows who they should talk to about getting involved, and they don’t want to step up and step on someones toes, so nothing changes and nothing gets done, everyone just sits around and complains. It’s sad. So thankful for people like Frank who step up and make a difference.
We can start by finding a cause that stirs our hearts. Once we have that, we can find places to volunteer that match up with our passion. Like to rock babies, NICU areas in hospitals love volunteers to come and rock little ones. We all have a purpose
What a powerful story, Yvonne! We so need to stop just talking and stand up for what’s right with our actions. Thank you! God bless!
Thank you and God bless
Dear Yvonne!
I’m always encouraged by hearing what other people learn and listen to in their churches.
Loved the perspective about a benefit that goes beyond us.
With love!
Edna Davidsen
Thanks Edna, I am blessed to call you friend.
You’re welcome, Yvonne 🙂
Yvonne, thank you for your post and call for action! I agree that we can be complacent and sit in the pews of our churches, absorbing what we hear, but not using it to partner with God to change and transform the world. Christ relies on us to be His hands and feet and heart and we are called to continue to do the work that He started. I love that you convey each of us is gifted to do some kingdom work, large or small, wherever and however we are able. Collectively each small act matters and contributes to the greater good of community and world. Thanks Yvonne!
I like that you not only point out the “hand wringing” issue, but give us direction to move past it and toward making a difference in the world for Christ. Good word!
Thank you
Yvonne, this…”So let me ask, are we a hand wringer or a difference maker?” What a powerful line. And something immediately came to mind as I was reading through this. Something that I can take action on. Thank you!
You are welcome and glad to hear you have something to action on. God bless
This is such a moving inspirational post! For me, chronic illness has been particularly frustrating because I’m no longer able to serve in the places I once could. My written words and my money are now my main action methods. That seems like a weak substitute, but I know God is able to heal me and hurl me back into the fight if he so desires, and he’s also able to use my words and my faithful contributions. Each time I seek to get back into the fray, he bars the way. So, I’ll continue faithfully where I am for now. Thank you for sharing the inspiration of Frank La Mere’s life!
Thanks for you thoughts Melinda. Helping comes in many way, including prayers and financial support so you are still doing your part. God bless