Just a Minute to Change a Life

Today I finished reading Wess Stafford's new book "Just a Minute."  Stafford is the president of Compassion International, and his passion for kids, especially those in poverty around the world, really resonates in these pages.  The main idea of the book is that it can take just a minute to change the life of a child, for better or worse.  We often take for granted our impact on the kids around us, whether we're tuned into their needs or not.  This book is a compilation of stories from Wess and others who were greatly impacted by adults during their childhoods.  Some of the stories are of kids who were encouraged and uplifted and were able to reach great heights because of a caring adult who believed in them.  Other stories tell the tragic tale of the devastating words of a parent or teacher who tore down the self confidence of a young child and left them scarred for years afterwards.

Very often children are looked down upon in society or thought of as "the least of these."  They might come from homes were affirmation of them is lacking.  They may be growing up in an environment that is telling them they don't matter.  It might take just one person to turn that around by taking the time to tell them they are important, to smile at them or offer a word of encouragement.  How hard is that really?

As someone who works with and loves kids I think the message of this book is one we all need to hear and be reminded of often.  The children we see around us really are our future, and we should be investing in them!  The great thing about this idea is that it's really not a difficult thing to do.  We can all take one minute out of  our busy days to lift up a child who comes across our path.  It might very well just change the course of their life!  So maybe today you can look for opportunities to encourage a child around you.  You have no idea the affect you might have on them!

"I invite you to join me in making this cause for children your own passion, to fight the battle child by child and minute by minute, being alert and willing to step in and make a memory that just might transform a life, heal a wounded heart, or lovingly send a child on their way.  In the heart of a child, a moment can last forever.  It is my prayer that a grassroots movement will arise, millions of us dedicated to recognize and seize these moments to breathe hope, joy, faith, and love into the little ones God has entrusted to us --maybe in just a minute!"  (P. 209)