{"id":1527,"date":"2011-04-12T11:00:08","date_gmt":"2011-04-12T15:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.beliefnet.com\/inspirationreport\/?p=1527"},"modified":"2011-04-12T11:46:23","modified_gmt":"2011-04-12T15:46:23","slug":"be-the-change","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/inspirationreport\/2011\/04\/be-the-change.html","title":{"rendered":"Be The Change"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>“Be the change you want to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi<\/em><\/p>\n

I visited a new church last Sunday. It was very small \u2013 less than 30 people. They meet out of a studio downtown and quickly tear down after service so the company dancers can rehearse for the evening\u2019s performance. At a glance, when compared to the many mega-churches America has come to love, this church doesn\u2019t seem like much. But looks can be deceiving. <\/p>\n

This church is fast becoming a visible and integral part of its community. It has immersed itself in the local art scene \u2013 a place many churches fear to tread. Its members are serving meals to needy families. The pastor saw a need and did his part to fulfill it. In this church\u2019s tiny corner of the city, it\u2019s making a difference.<\/p>\n

I wonder what the world would look like if we all did the same?<\/p>\n

It\u2019s easy to point out the problem. Any one can do that, but it takes guts to be part of the solution. It\u2019s rolling up your sleeves. It\u2019s getting uncomfortable. It\u2019s not waiting for change; it\u2019s being the change.<\/p>\n

Of course, you have to want <\/em>to make a difference and then put that wanting into action. As my mother says, you have to be sick and tired of being sick and tired. Many people will complain, but how many will actually get off the couch and do something about it?<\/p>\n

It may sound like a clich\u00e9, but I love to see harmony within diversity. People of all different faiths, races, no matter who you love or what you do\u2026 you have a place at the table and a voice in the discussion. It\u2019s why I work for Beliefnet, and it\u2019s why I try to be kind and accepting to everyone I meet. It\u2019s a small thing, but it\u2019s something.<\/p>\n

I don\u2019t know what your \u201cchange\u201d is. Perhaps you want to see the homeless in your neighborhood taken care of. Or maybe you simply want to see more happiness in your own life and in the lives of those you love. So, do it. Go for it. Be the change. It starts with you.<\/p>\n

Read more:
\nInspirational Quotes from Mahatma Gandhi<\/a><\/p>\n

9 Ways to Create Positive Change<\/a> <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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