Kevin and I recently were inspired in listening to an Audible book by John O’Leary entitled, “On Fire.” When John was nine years old he was playing with matches in the garage when a 5 gallon gas tank exploded into flames, burning 100% of his body.
The day after the accident when he was teetering between life and death, bandaged everywhere, eyes swollen shut, unable to talk because of being on a ventilator, one of his heros, a famous sports announcer, Jack Buck, showed up in his sterilized hospital room just to speak the flickering hope into his terrified heart that he was going to live!
Jack had heard the night before about the local St Louis kid who’d been badly burned and probably wasn’t going to make it. And Jack cared enough to personally reach out, not just once, but he kept coming back.
When John finally got discharged from the hospital, Jack sent him a baseball autographed by a famous baseball player. It had a note saying that as soon as John wrote the player a thank you note he would send him another baseball. John had lost his fingers from the fire, but he was motivated and struggled to etch out a thank you note. Another ball arrived with the same instructions, and another and another. Sixty balls and sixty thank you notes later, John finally believed that he could write and become something of himself despite his terrible burns.
Today John is happily married with four kids, a motivational speaker, and successful business owner partly due to Jack Buck’s attention and influence. He infused John with hope and helped to change the trajectory of his life! You’ll have to read the book for the inspiring details!
Jack truly lived by his quote: “Simple action and ordinary people change the world.” Jack Buck
The following quote also shows how much our influence matters!
“Throw a pebble into the lake, and a wave is formed, and another and another; and as they increase, the circle widens, until it reaches the shore. So with our influence. Beyond our knowledge or control it tells upon others in blessing or in cursing.” Christ’s Object Lessons pp. 139-140.
As a young girl my family and I went to a Christian youth camp for a weekend seminar where I believe my grandpa was speaking. I vividly remember that the popular, kind, godly youth director that was friends with my grandpa, took an interesting in making me feel special, an unsure-of-herself, skinny little girl. After the weekend, he even sent me a couple letters, encouraging me in my budding personal relationship with Jesus. More than likely he reached out to many young people, but it was very impactful to me! I still remember his name and the warmth I felt of being noticed and mentored.
These verses speak for themselves.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16
It’s amazing to me that one person being intentional in reaching out to another can help shape and impact that person’s life in a powerful way. We all could use a “boost” and the encouragement of another. Little things can make a huge difference. And, of course, influencing someone towards Jesus and heaven should be our ultimate goal. Why not choose to be that change agent in someone else’s life today?
I don’t know about you, but this little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine!
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